By Kelvin Ololo
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program has engaged key stakeholders in Cross River State to scale up the cultivation and value addition of cocoa, rice, and cassava.
The strategic engagement focuses on strengthening agricultural value chains, enhancing smallholder productivity, and driving sustainable agro-industrial growth across the State.
The one-day sensitization workshop, held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the State Library in Calabar, called on stakeholders to leverage the opportunities provided by the SAPZ initiative. The session emphasized the need for targeted investment and collaborative efforts to enhance food security and stimulate rural employment.
Addressing the participants, the State Project Coordinator, Rev. Victor Edet, revealed that SAPZ has already nurtured approximately two million cocoa seedlings to support farmers, noting that the state is aligning its agricultural roadmap with the development of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port.
He said: “there are opportunities coming to cross River State that we need to be ready and prepare to exploit.”
Outlining the economic benefits of the initiative, the Agricultural Productivity and Production Officer, Dr. Bethel Ewung, highlighted that the program serves as a catalyst for job creation, regional development, and foreign exchange earnings. “The program is resting on the activities of industrial sectors, commerce, Agriculture and inclusive economic growth,” he stated.
Expert insights were also provided by the State Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Officer, Dr. Felix Awara Eke, and the Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Lynda Cobham.
They noted that engaging various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) is vital for building the capacity required for a total agricultural transformation. Currently, SAPZ operates an Agro-Industrial Hub at Adiabo, Odukpani LGA and an Agricultural Transformation Center in Okuku, Ogoja LGA. The workshop further detailed the implementation frameworks designed to ensure the inclusive participation of men, women, and youth in the state’s agricultural sector.
Speaking to journalists following the engagement, the State Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Dr. Ramsey Edem Ndep, described the workshop as a significant milestone for the association.
He said, “It is a wonderful platform provided by Governor Bassey Otu for cocoa farmers in terms of production and processing. We stand to gain from this program because input will be given, processing will be done and jobs will be created.”
Kelly Ayemba, President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, added that the initiative would be a major driver for the local economy. “The project is going to contribute a lot to the economy of Cross River State, our people need to wake up and take advantage of this opportunities presented by SAPZ.”
The event concluded with an interactive question and answers session, providing participants with a deeper technical understanding of the initiative’s goals. Attendees included representatives from the manufacturing sector, financial institutions, the media, food and drug regulatory agencies, security agencies, and various commodity associations.
The SAPZ is a Federal Government initiative supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).