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Targets livestock export hub in Nigeria, West Africa
Cross River State is four months away from joining Nigeria’s cargo export states, as Governor Bassey Otu announced that the Obudu International Passengers and Cargo Airport has reached 85 per cent completion, with the first aircraft scheduled to land in December 2026.
The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, made the announcement when he hosted the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Muktar Maha, ahead of the commissioning of Nigeria’s first Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility in Mfum, Ikom.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Otu said the completion of the airport was key to the state’s plan to turn Cross River into a livestock and export hub for Nigeria and West Africa.
“For farmers who want to invest in livestock, it will be easier to export our livestock from Obudu Ranch to anywhere in the world,” he said.
The governor added that regular commercial flights would commence in the first quarter of 2027, with routes planned from Abuja and Lagos to the Obudu International Passengers and Cargo Airport.
Gov. Otu said the airport is part of a broader trade corridor designed to position Cross River as Nigeria’s gateway to the Gulf of Guinea.
“The state provides an evacuation route to the Gulf of Guinea, just two hours away, accessible through the Calabar International Airport. State-owned Cally Air is expected to begin regular flights to the Gulf soon to expand both business and tourism,” he stated.
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Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Muktar Maha, said Cross River was strategically chosen because of its access to air, land, and sea routes.
“This is the first of its kind that we are building in the country. We are proud that Cross River is the first state where this is being formally commissioned,” the minister said.
He noted that the Mfum facility is one of 12 planned along Nigeria’s international borders to certify animal health and curb transboundary diseases.
Maha outlined plans for a 500-head-per-day abattoir in the state that could create up to 10,000 jobs across feed production, cold chain and transportation. He also projected that Nigeria’s red meat export market is worth an estimated $3.4 billion.
“With Calabar’s access to the coast, we are just about five hours from Gulf markets. All we need is an incentive to get it started here in Cross River. Our farmers are ready,” he said.
The minister added that his team would inspect Obudu Ranch and other facilities to assess progress and attract investors.
With the airport nearing completion and the livestock facility now operational, both federal and state governments say Cross River is set to diversify agriculture, create jobs and drive exports through air, land and sea.
