Cross River strengthens bond with Malaysia to boost oil palm cultivation
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu Thursday received the Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Aiyub Bin Omar, and his delegation in Calabar.
The high-profile visit was aimed at deepening bilateral trade and agricultural collaboration between Nigeria and Malaysia, particularly in oil palm produce.
Welcoming the delegation at the Governor’s Office, Governor Otu emphasized the shared ecological and agricultural history between both nations, noting that Malaysia’s successful palm oil industry traces its roots to Nigeria.
“We are not shy to say you’ve done very well,” Otu said, referencing Malaysia’s transformation of palm oil into a global economic powerhouse. “Now that the whole world is going green, it’s very clear that palm oil is still going to be one of the ways to go.”
Governor Otu acknowledged existing collaborations with companies like Wilmar and JD Farms, expressing optimism for future expansions. “We have extended the acreage for Wilmar by an additional 8,000 hectares and we are encouraging them to process locally by setting up a plant here in Cross River,” he said, citing the state’s ongoing development of port infrastructure to ease export logistics.
The Governor also hinted at plans to establish a research center focused on palm cultivation and sustainability. “We want to continue making this sector vibrant,” he added, calling for more technical exchange and educational partnerships with Malaysian institutions.
Governor Otu reassured the delegation of his government’s commitment to enabling investment and knowledge exchange.
“We welcome all the investments and will continue to partner with you. Let’s build something transformative for both our people,” he said.
The Malaysian High Commissioner, Aiyub Bin Omar praised the lush landscape of Cross River and acknowledged the long-standing presence of Malaysian interests in the region. “When I landed, I was impressed by the green landscape. You also have the national park here, which is a great asset,” he remarked.
He noted that Agri Nexus, a Malaysian agribusiness company, has been operating in Cross River since 2017 and currently manages JB Farms, employing over 1,000 people locally.
“Malaysia is the second-largest producer of palm oil globally, and we are committed to helping Nigeria strengthen its own agricultural output,” the High Commissioner stated. He highlighted Malaysia’s decades-long commitment to capacity building in Nigeria through training programs and scholarships in agriculture, diplomacy, and economic development.
Dr. Shermal Perera, the Group Managing Director of JB Farms and AgriNexus International, further outlined the depth of Malaysian investment in Nigeria. “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 revealed, adding that the farm contributes approximately ₦200 million in taxes annually to Cross River State.
Perera also introduced the Incorporated Society of Planters Africa, launched to provide structured education and training for agricultural professionals. “Our vision is to build ‘Agri-Unity’ across Africa, connecting agricultural experts and developing local capacity for sustainable farming,” he said.
The meeting resolved with mutual pledges of support and collaboration.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)