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Cross river State is set for a major transformation in tourism, livestock production and export trade as Governor Bassey Otu announced plans to reposition the Obudu Ranch as a world-class destination while partnering with the Federal Government to develop a modern livestock value chain.
The governor said the state was upgrading the historic Obudu Ranch into a five-star resort capable of attracting visitors from across the world, while the nearby international passengers and cargo airport was nearing completion to open up the area to global business and tourism.
Otu disclosed this when he hosted the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maha, during the commissioning of Nigeria’s first Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility in Mfum, Ikom Local Government Area.
Represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, the governor said the state was ready to work with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to make Cross River a leading livestock and export hub in Nigeria and West Africa.
“We are happy to have you back. When you were here last, you promised to return and visit the ranch. I’m happy you’ve come, and in the next two hours I’ll be meeting investors who want to invest in the ranch,” Otu said.
“We are making the ranch a five-star resort where visitors from all over the world will be happy to visit. This weekend I’ll be on the ranch as well.”
The governor announced that the cargo airport located close to Obudu Ranch was about 85 per cent completed, with the first aircraft expected to land in December 2026.
He added that regular flight operations were expected to begin in the first quarter of next year, with planned routes from Abuja to Bukalo Airport and from Lagos to the Obudu International Passengers and Cargo Airport.
According to him, the development would make it easier for livestock investors and farmers to transport agricultural products from Cross River to markets around the world.
“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.
Otu also linked the livestock and tourism projects to Cross River’s wider trade strategy, noting that the state’s location provides access to the Gulf of Guinea through the Calabar International Airport.
He disclosed that the state-owned airline, Cally Air, was expected to commence regular flights to the Gulf region as part of efforts to expand trade, tourism and business opportunities.
The governor assured the Minister of full state support, including engagement with poultry and livestock farmers to ensure the success of the initiative.
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Earlier, Maha described the Mfum Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility as a critical infrastructure for protecting Nigeria’s livestock industry and ensuring only healthy animals enter the country from neighbouring nations.
“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 explained that the facility was among 12 planned across Nigeria’s international borders to strengthen animal health monitoring and prevent the spread of transboundary diseases.
“Each corridor will receive a large number of animals, and we are going to protect you,” he said.
Maha said the ministry’s partnership with Cross River would also involve the development of livestock infrastructure, including modern abattoirs, feed production centres, cold-chain facilities and other components of the value chain.
He said the establishment of a 500-head-per-day abattoir in the state could generate up to 10,000 jobs through related activities such as animal feed production, transportation and storage.
“We believe Cross River is well positioned to dominate the red meat industry in the South-South. With Calabar’s access to the coast, we are just about five hours from Gulf markets. The value of Nigeria’s red meat export is estimated at $3.4 billion,” Maha stated.
The minister said the federal government was also working to address livestock production challenges through measures such as the planned importation of about 60 million hatchable eggs as a short-term intervention and licensing of more operators to improve access for farmers.
He urged investors to focus on fodder production, including crops such as Napier grass, alfalfa and ryegrass, noting the strong demand for animal feed in Gulf countries.
Maha added that the Obudu livestock facility would include units for cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and a dairy centre to be developed in partnership with the university community.
“All we need is incentive to get it started here in Cross River. Our farmers are ready. The state government will provide an environment to ensure national pride in what we do here,” he said.
He expressed optimism that Cross River could develop one of the strongest livestock sectors in the world, not just in Nigeria.
The collaboration between the federal and state governments is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock economy, create jobs and position Cross River as a gateway for livestock exports through land, air and maritime routes.
