The Cross River State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with Malaysia to revive Nigeria’s once-thriving palm oil industry, focusing on technology transfer, large-scale investment, and the development of local expertise.
The collaboration aims to reposition Nigeria as a major player in the global palm oil market, with both parties committing to sustainable practices, improved processing, and enhanced agricultural productivity across the state.
The initiative was solidified during a high-level meeting at the Governor’s Office in Calabar between Governor Bassey Otu and the Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bin Omar, where both sides reaffirmed their shared goals.
Governor Otu, while receiving the Malaysian delegation, highlighted the longstanding agricultural link between both countries.
He acknowledged Malaysia’s global success in palm oil, a crop that originally came from Nigeria, and expressed optimism about the renewed alliance.
“We are not shy to say you’ve done very well,” he said. “Now that the world is going green, it’s clear palm oil remains a strong economic option.”
The governor also referenced ongoing partnerships with Malaysian-affiliated firms such as Wilmar and JD Farms.
He disclosed that the state had allocated an additional 8,000 hectares to Wilmar for oil palm cultivation and encouraged local processing to add value.
He also emphasised the importance of the seaport infrastructure under development to support exports.
Looking to the future, Governor Otu announced plans to establish a research centre focused on palm oil and sustainable farming.
He called for expanded technical exchanges and academic partnerships with Malaysian institutions to build local capacity.
“We welcome all the investments and will continue to partner with you. Let’s build something transformative for both our people,” he added.
High Commissioner Bin Omar commended the state’s natural endowment and highlighted Malaysia’s long-standing agricultural involvement in Nigeria.
“When I landed, I was impressed by the green landscape. You also have the national park here, which is a great asset,” he said.
He noted that AgriNexus, a Malaysian agribusiness company, has operated in Cross River since 2017, managing JD Farms, which currently employs over 1,000 local workers.
“Malaysia is the second-largest producer of palm oil globally, and we are committed to helping Nigeria enhance its agricultural sector,” he stated, also pointing to Malaysia’s scholarships and training support.
Shermal Perera, Group Managing Director of JD Farms and AgriNexus International, shared the transformation story of JD Farms.
“We took over a dilapidated farm in Oban and transformed it. Today, JD Farms is the fourth-largest oil palm plantation in Nigeria and the largest indigenous one,” he said, adding the company contributes around ₦200 million annually in taxes to the state.
He also announced the launch of the Incorporated Society of Planters Africa, a new initiative designed to offer structured training and capacity building for agricultural professionals across the continent.
“Our vision is to build ‘Agri-Unity’ across Africa by connecting agricultural experts and empowering local talent,” Dr. Perera said.
The engagement concluded with mutual pledges to deepen cooperation in palm oil and foster long-term agricultural development between Nigeria and Malaysia.
