The Cross River State Government has unveiled plans to establish the state as a major player in the international coffee market by 2032 through the distribution of 30 million coffee seedlings to smallholder farmers over seven years.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Johnson Ebokpo, disclosed the plan during a press briefing in Calabar, saying Governor Bassey Otu approved the initiative as part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy.
According to Mr Ebokpo, about 13 million coffee seedlings have already been distributed to farmers following an enumeration exercise, with the programme expected to run from 2024 to 2032.
He said the government aims to produce “flavoured coffee” that will appeal to international buyers, adding that coffee production and exports are expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue and boost livelihoods across communities.
To ensure export-quality standards, the commissioner said the state would establish communal washing and drying stations while linking farmers directly with international buyers.
Mr Ebokpo also said the government plans to establish a commodity exchange to guarantee markets for farmers and provide training for all participants in the coffee value chain to equip them with the knowledge required for export.
He noted that coffee production would be implemented in phases, with the current focus on smallholder farmers, most of whom are women, while plans are being developed to accommodate commercial farmers.
The commissioner urged residents to participate in the coffee production programme, adding that a bill to regulate the production, export and consumption of coffee is currently before the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Nigeria’s coffee industry remains relatively small compared with leading African producers, but it has significant untapped potential because of favourable growing conditions in states such as Cross River, Taraba, Plateau and parts of Kaduna, as well as increasing domestic consumption and rising global demand for speciality coffee.
Nigeria currently produces about 1,800 metric tonnes of coffee annually, ranking 48th globally, while exporting just 53 tonnes valued at less than $80,000 in 2023.
Industry experts say the country’s favourable climate and vast arable land leave significant room for growth, especially as African producers such as Ethiopia and Uganda earn billions of Dollars annually from coffee exports.