C’River, FG in partnership on Obudu Cattle Ranch
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu
C’River, FG in partnership on Obudu Cattle Ranch
Cross Rivers State Governor, Bassey Otu, has expressed satisfaction over the Federal Government’s plan to transform Obudu Cattle Ranch into a major hub for livestock and dairy production in Nigeria.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, Otu said Obudu’s favourable climate, rich biodiversity, and vast landmass were key advantages for large-scale livestock farming and dairy production.
Earlier, the minister acknowledged Nigeria’s N33trn livestock industry, noting, however, that it remained vastly underutilised.
He then announced the Federal Government’s strategy to modernise the sector, including the ambitious livestock transformation agenda of Obudu Cattle Ranch.
Naiha described Obudu ranch as a “low-hanging fruit” for the Federal Government’s ambitious livestock transformation agenda, adding that the ranch could become a major player in Nigeria’s beef and dairy industry.
He also said Nigeria had secured a $2.5bn investment commitment from Brazilian investors, aimed at accelerating livestock sector innovation and expansion.
The minister said the success of the initiatives would require robust partnerships between federal and state governments, traditional rulers, and pastoralist organisations, to ensure that policies translated into tangible benefits.
Expressing joy over the transformation plan for Obudu Ranch, Otu said, “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.”
He said his administration remained committed to partnering with federal authorities and private investors to harness the state’s agricultural potential.
This, he said, would deliver long-term benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs, and the broader economy.
The governor said the 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 added.
Reaffirming Cross River’s commitment to agricultural expansion, Otu 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 modernise 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 encouraged youths, women, and traditional leaders to actively engage in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and ensure that government initiatives had a direct socio-economic impact on rural communities.
