The Cross River State Government has officially appointed Pula Advisors as the Lead Consultant for its ambitious programme to achieve compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This major initiative targets the cocoa, coffee, and oil palm value chains.
A Rigorous Selection Process Culminates in Historic Partnership
This appointment is the result of a six-month engagement and technical review conducted by the State’s Multistakeholder Committee. Governor Bassey Otu hailed the partnership as a significant milestone for the state's agricultural transformation. He stated that this move secures the future of local farmers by aligning with the highest global standards for sustainability and market access.
“This partnership with Pula places us at the forefront of digital agriculture governance in Nigeria,” Governor Otu emphasized.
Building a Digital Backbone for Sustainable Agriculture
During the preparatory phase, Pula Advisors collaborated with the State’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development to design a comprehensive system. This system aims to provide full visibility into land use, supply chain activities, and deforestation risks. The framework integrates several key components:
- End-to-end supply chain traceability
- Detailed land and polygon mapping
- Advanced geolocation analytics
- A unified digital information platform
With the EU now mandating deforestation-free commodities, this programme is considered critical for maintaining Cross River’s long-term competitiveness in international markets.
Expertise and Execution: Confidence in a Complex Task
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Rt. Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, underscored the strategic value of the collaboration. He described EUDR compliance as a catalyst to modernize the agricultural sector and strengthen data-driven governance.
“Pula’s expertise gives us confidence that this exercise will be executed with precision, integrity and speed,” Ebokpo stated.
The Multistakeholder Committee, chaired by Professor Susan Ohen, highlighted Pula’s strong alignment with the State’s 7-Year Agriculture Strategic Plan. The committee was impressed by the firm’s proven track record in farmer registration, digital platform development, and its specific experience in AI-driven deforestation monitoring. Pula’s previous work in countries like Uganda and Ethiopia was a key factor in their selection.
Representing Pula Advisors, Country Director Michael Enahoro reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to delivering a world-class system. He described the state’s decision as bold and forward-looking, noting that the investment in digital infrastructure and real-time risk assessment will protect producers' access to the lucrative EU market.
The extensive exercise is expected to map approximately 80,000 farms and is projected to conclude by the second quarter of 2026. The ultimate goals are to enhance transparency, strengthen climate resilience, and accelerate the state’s transition to a modern, data-driven agricultural economy.
