The Cross River State Executive Council has approved the presentation of a Bill to the State House of Assembly for the enactment of the Cross River State Tree Crops Development Agency Law 2026.
The approval was part of resolutions reached at the first Executive Council (EXCO) meeting of 2026, held recently at the State Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Calabar.
Reflecting on the development, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, expressed delight at the approval, describing it as a forward-thinking step by His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. He noted that the move underscores the Governor’s continued commitment to sustainable agricultural development and the “People First” agenda of his administration.
Ebokpo commended the Governor’s vision for the agricultural sector, emphasizing that the establishment of the Tree Crops Development Agency will provide a strong institutional platform to support farmers, drive growth in key value chains such as cocoa, coffee, oil palm, and other strategic crops, and reposition Cross River State as a leading force in agribusiness.
He also expressed confidence that the Cross River State House of Assembly will give the Bill the thorough consideration it deserves.
“When enacted, the law will provide the necessary legal framework to support farmers and agribusinesses, strengthen productivity, attract investment, create jobs, and enhance the overall growth of the tree crops sector,” the Commissioner concluded.
Agricultural stakeholders have consistently emphasized the importance of such interventions in boosting production, improving market access, and expanding opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses across the State.
