Calabar, Nigeria – In a bold push to place Nigeria firmly on the global coffee map, Cross River State has launched a sweeping initiative aimed at making it the country’s coffee production epicenter. Branded as “Blacked Coffee in Calabar,” the project will span all 18 local government areas, blending agricultural revival with economic development.
At the heart of the plan is Governor Bassey Otus’s vision, which goes far beyond planting coffee trees. The governor’s administration sees coffee as a catalyst for job creation, rural transformation, and environmental restoration across the state.
“This is not just farming; it’s a comprehensive development strategy,” Governor Bassey-Otu stated at the project’s unveiling. “By working with our communities and partnering with experienced private sector leaders, we aim to build a sustainable coffee industry that benefits everyone.”
Key to the effort is collaboration with international and local experts. The company leading the project, Wyoming, brings years of coffee industry expertise from Rwanda, France, Zambia, and across East Africa. Its CEO, Olawale Rotimi, expressed confidence in Cross River State’s potential.
“We believe Cross River can lead Nigeria’s coffee revolution,” Rotimi said. “The climate, the commitment from the government, and the engagement of local communities create a perfect foundation for success.”
Beyond production, the initiative also includes plans to reintroduce Nigeria as a recognized coffee origin in global markets—a strategic move designed to capture both export opportunities and growing domestic demand.
The ambitious project has already attracted international attention. Government representatives and development partners have pledged support, recognizing the potential impact on Nigeria’s agricultural exports and rural livelihoods.
As Cross River State steps into the global coffee economy, the “Blacked Coffee in Calabar” project stands out as both an economic strategy and a vision of sustainable, inclusive growth—one that could reshape Nigeria’s place in the international
