The Cross River State Government is set to host the 2026 International Coffee Festival as part of efforts to expand coffee production and develop a new economic opportunity around the state’s agricultural sector.
The festival is scheduled to hold from October 30 to November 1, 2026, with the theme “Coffee Sustainability.”
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, disclosed the plan during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday ahead of the event.
The festival is being organised by Lingzi Global Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN) and other stakeholders.
Ebokpo said the state government plans to distribute 30 million coffee seedlings to farmers over the next five years as part of its strategic coffee development programme, which began in 2024.
According to him, Cross River has about 23,000 square kilometres of arable land suitable for coffee cultivation and has the capacity to produce both Arabica and Robusta varieties.
He said Arabica would be cultivated mainly in the highlands, particularly around the Obudu Ranch area, while Robusta would be grown in the lowlands.
The commissioner said the government was looking at coffee as an alternative economic driver, pointing to opportunities for farmers, processors, investors and young entrepreneurs.
He explained that the coffee industry goes beyond farming to include processing, packaging, marketing and export, stressing the need to also encourage local consumption.
Ebokpo said hosting the international festival was part of efforts to position Cross River as a globally recognised coffee-producing state.
He added that the initiative was expected to create jobs and increase the participation of women and youths in the coffee value chain.
Cross River, already known for cocoa production, is also seeking to establish itself as one of the leading coffee-producing states in West Africa.
The Chief Executive Officer of Lingzi Global Nigeria Limited, Blessing Nanman, said the 2026 festival would focus on coffee sustainability, skills development, community development, job creation, investment, processing, export and local consumption.
Nanman said the event would provide a platform for farmers, processors, investors and international organisations to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s coffee industry.
She disclosed that about 30 countries are expected to participate in the festival, with international stakeholders from countries including Brazil, Indonesia and Kenya expected to share knowledge and experiences in coffee production and processing.
The National President of NACOFTAN, Hassan Kakara, also commended the Cross River Government for its investment in coffee production.
Kakara said coffee and tea could contribute to employment generation, income, environmental sustainability and economic development, while calling for stronger support from government agencies, research institutions and investors.
The festival is expected to bring together farmers, processors, roasters, investors and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening the coffee value chain and expanding opportunities in the sector.
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