Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has commended the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Obudu Cattle Ranch into a major hub for livestock and dairy production in Nigeria.
He made this known during a courtesy visit by the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Peter Odey, also described the initiative as a welcome development.
He said that the unique climate, rich biodiversity, and vast landmass in Obudu were key advantages for large-scale livestock farming and dairy production.
He said that global economic shifts provided an opportunity for Nigeria to expand its agricultural exports and attract agribusiness investments.
He urged stakeholders to leverage agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, shifting from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial production.
“Nigeria’s economic future depends on our ability to fully harness our agricultural and livestock resources. Large-scale investments in agriculture will enhance food security, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
Reaffirming Cross River State’s commitment to agricultural expansion, Governor Otu also cited the state’s thriving cocoa sector as an example of strategic investment in agriculture.
He called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to attract investment and modernize the agricultural value chain.
“We seek increased investments in local communities to ensure that development is sustainable and inclusive. As international funding from institutions like the World Bank begins to support large-scale agricultural transformation, Cross River State must be a priority beneficiary,” he added.
The Governor also urged young people, women, and traditional leaders to actively engage in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, ensuring that government initiatives have a direct socio-economic impact on rural communities.
In his remarks, the Minister of Livestock Development acknowledged Nigeria’s ₦33 trillion livestock industry, noting that it remained vastly underutilised.
He outlined the Federal Government’s strategy to modernise the sector, including improved livestock management systems, strengthened disease control measures, and expansion of rural infrastructure to support livestock farming.
He described Obudu Cattle Ranch as a “low-hanging fruit” for the Federal Government’s ambitious livestock transformation agenda.
The minister reaffirmed that the ranch has the potential to become a major player in Nigeria’s beef and dairy industry.
He also said that Nigeria had secured a $2.5 billion investment commitment from Brazilian investors, aimed at accelerating livestock sector innovation and expansion.
Maiha said that the success of these initiatives would require robust partnerships between federal and state governments, traditional rulers, and pastoralist organisations, ensuring that policies translate into tangible benefits for local communities and drive national economic growth.
With the Federal Government’s renewed focus on agriculture and livestock development, the revitalisation of Obudu Cattle Ranch presents a unique opportunity for economic transformation in Cross River State.
Otu had restated that his administration remained committed to partnering with federal authorities and private investors to fully harness the state’s agricultural potential, delivering long-term benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs, and the broader economy.
