By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has commended the Nigeria Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Obudu Cattle Ranch into a major hub for livestock and dairy production in Nigeria.
The governor who spoke through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, during a courtesy visit by the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the initiative as a welcome development.
He highlighted Obudu’s unique climate, rich biodiversity, and vast landmass as key advantages for large-scale livestock farming and dairy production.
Governor Otu emphasized that global economic shifts provide an opportunity for Nigeria to expand its agricultural exports and attract agrobusiness 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 was quoted by Otu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gill Nsa.
Reaffirming Cross River State’s commitment to agricultural expansion, the governor 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 Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, acknowledged Nigeria’s N33 trillion livestock industry, noting that it remains vastly underutilized.
He outlined the Federal Government’s strategy to modernize the sector, including improved livestock management systems, strengthened disease control measures, and expansion of rural infrastructure to support livestock farming.
Describing 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 revealed that Nigeria has secured a $2.5 billion investment commitment from Brazilian investors, aimed at accelerating livestock sector innovation and expansion.
With the Federal Government’s renewed focus on agriculture and livestock development, the revitalization of Obudu Cattle Ranch is said to presents a unique opportunity for economic transformation in the tate.