The Cross River State Executive Council has approved the construction of a ₦525.3 million administrative and laboratory complex for the National Root Crops Research Institute Outstation in Obubra Local Government Area.
The facility is expected to strengthen research activities, improve access to improved farming methods and support efforts to increase agricultural productivity across the state.
According to the government, the project will feature a modern administrative building, laboratories, staff accommodation and other supporting infrastructure at the institute’s Mile 6 outstation in Obubra.
The approval was granted during the Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday after the consideration of a memorandum presented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo.
Presenting the memorandum, Ebokpo said the initiative aligns with the resolutions of the 47th National Council on Agriculture and the Federal Government’s plan to improve food security at the sub-national level.
He said the project would enhance agricultural research, promote technology transfer and support local seed production while creating opportunities for private-sector participation in agribusiness.
The commissioner added that the investment would position Cross River to attract federal support and development partnerships, thereby expanding the impact of the state’s agricultural initiatives.
The council said the Obubra-Ikom agricultural corridor has favourable conditions for crop trials, certified seed multiplication and the introduction of improved farming technologies to farmers.
It added that the project would support the development of a seed production system using Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics technology through a partnership involving the National Root Crops Research Institute and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.
According to the state government, the upgraded facility will produce certified planting materials, high-yield crop varieties and improved technologies capable of boosting agricultural output in Cross River and neighbouring states.
The government said the investment would also attract donor support and private-sector involvement, while creating opportunities for youth participation in agribusiness and increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.