The Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA) has aligned its 2026 operational roadmap with the Nigerian Government’s irrigation expansion and food security policy, prioritising large-scale, commercially viable projects across its mandate areas.
The Managing Director of the Authority, Dr. Glory Oho, made the disclosure at the agency’s first formal general staff meeting for 2026, held in Calabar, Cross River State, where management, staff, and stakeholders reviewed progress recorded so far.
Dr. Oho said the policy direction was aimed at repositioning River Basin Authorities as key drivers of agricultural productivity, rural employment and sustainable water resources management.
Oho said, “despite budgetary constraints and economic pressures, management is determined not to fold its arms.”
She identified the Boki-Ikom Irrigation Project as a strategic intervention capable of opening up over 2,000 hectares of arable land, attracting private and foreign investment as well as boosting agro-industrial value chains.
“In 2026, the Authority intends to double its irrigation drive across our catchment areas. Our major focus will be the Boki-Ikom Irrigation Project, designed to cover over 2,000 hectares of land,” Oho stated.
Agricultural diversification
Oho said the Authority was also pursuing project diversification through the establishment of an ultra-modern poultry farm at the Abak Irrigation Project in Akwa Ibom State, designed to serve as a demonstration and capacity-building centre for local farmers.
“Feasibility studies have been completed, and we expect the project to be fully operational before the end of next month,” Oho said.
In addition, she announced the revival of the Uruan-Ituk Mbang Irrigation Project, which had suffered prolonged delays due to land litigation, noting that the resolution of community disputes reflects a governance approach built on dialogue and stakeholder engagement.
On institutional reforms, Oho said staff promotion, welfare and logistics support were being treated as policy instruments to enhance productivity and accountability within the Authority.
Vision and teamwork
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Wabilly Nyiam, commended the management for providing purposeful leadership and addressing long-standing welfare and administrative challenges within the Authority.
Nyiam said the Board was encouraged by the policy focus on staff motivation, institutional discipline and mandate delivery, stressing that public institutions grow through vision, teamwork and accountability.
He said, “institutions do not grow by chance; they grow by vision, discipline and teamwork. The modest gains recorded so far are evidence of what can be achieved when management and staff work together.”
He assured staff that the Board would continue to provide the necessary policy direction and oversight to ensure professionalism, transparency and responsiveness to national development goals.
The event featured departmental briefings on achievements and objectives for 2026, a choral competition and cultural dances by pupils of the Cross River Basin Secondary School, Calabar.
Climax of the meeting was the presentation of excellence awards to outstanding staff including the Director of Information and Special Duties, Dr. Jackson John.