By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Cross River State Government has taken steps toward reviving some age-old agro-allied estates and industries in the state, with the opening of technical bids for the privatization of Erei Farm Settlement Oil Palm Estates.
The three Oil Palm Estates comprises Ikun, Urugbam, and Egbor Oil Palm Estates, all in Biase Local Government Area. Two investors, El-Darl Farms Limited and Bella Van Baass Limited have expressed interest in acquiring the estates.
Speaking at the bid-opening event in Calabar, Chief Bassey Okon, Director-General of the Cross River State Council on Privatization, emphasized Governor Otu administration’s commitment to economic growth through strategic private-sector partnerships.
“We are here to open the technical bids for the oil palm estates. These estates, originally established in 1961 under the Eastern Nigerian Development Corporation, have long been due for revitalization,” Okon stated.
He noted that years of neglect by past governments, lack of reinvestment, and community disputes had contributed to the estates’ decline.
However, he said the administration of Governor Bassey Otu is determined to reverse these trend.
“Most of these estates have not been replanted in decades, despite agricultural best practices recommending periodic replanting for sustained productivity. The people-first agenda of this government ensures that every initiative prioritizes economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development,” he added.
The bidding process marks a crucial phase in the state’s privatization efforts, allowing technically qualified and financially capable firms to take over operations.
Cecilia Elu Adie, representative of the Director General, Due Process and Intelligence at the Privatization Council urged the evaluation team to ensure a transparent and credible selection process.
“Keep sentiments aside and do your best to move our team forward. This is a major step in repositioning Cross River’s agricultural sector, and we must ensure due diligence at every stage,” she said.
Legal representative of Eldar Farms Lt, Itafa Ogar commended the government’s privatization initiative, describing it as a bold step toward revitalizing the state’s agricultural economy.
He said, “Cross River State has vast agricultural potential, and this move is key to unlocking it. We at Eldar Farms are proud to be co-stakeholders in this process and are optimistic that it will create jobs and foster economic growth.”
According to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu, Gill Nsa, the technical bid opening is the first phase of a multi-stage process. Successful companies will proceed to financial and operational assessments before final selection.
With the initiative, the Cross River State Government, under Governor Bassey Otu, is said to reaffirm its commitment to leveraging private sector expertise to transform agriculture into a key driver of economic growth.
Since You Are Here, Support Good JournalismCrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy. Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialization. Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor. CLICK HERE |
New Feature: Don't miss any of our news again.Get all our articles in your facebook chat box.Click the Facebook Messenger Icon below to subscribe now
Text Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours
Will You To Learn How To Make Millions Of Naira Making Special Creams From Your Kitchen?.Click Here
Expose Your Business And Make More Sales. Advertise On CrossRiverWatch.com Today
Leave feedback about this