By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Federal Government to transform the state into a major livestock production and export hub for Nigeria and West Africa.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu made the commitment while hosting the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, ahead of the commissioning of Nigeria’s first Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility at Mfum in Ikom Local Government Area.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu said the state was committed to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to unlock the enormous potential of the livestock sector.
“We are happy to have you back. When you were here last, you promised to return and visit the ranch. I am glad you have fulfilled that promise. In the next two hours, I will be meeting investors interested in developing the ranch,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the Obudu Ranch is being transformed into a world-class, five-star tourism destination capable of attracting visitors from across the globe.
Governor Otu also announced that the cargo airport located near the Obudu Ranch is about 85 percent completed, with the first aircraft expected to land in December 2026.
He added that regular commercial flights from Abuja to Bokalum Airport and from Lagos to the Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2027.
He noted that the improved air connectivity would make livestock exports from Obudu Ranch to international markets more efficient.
The governor further linked the livestock project to Cross River’s broader trade ambitions, noting that the state provides a strategic evacuation route to the Gulf of Guinea through the Calabar International Airport.
He added that the state-owned Cally Air would soon begin regular flights to Gulf destinations to promote trade and tourism.
Governor Otu assured the Federal Ministry of the state’s full cooperation, including engagement with poultry and livestock farmers across Cross River.
Earlier, the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the Mfum Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility as a critical project aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s livestock industry by ensuring that only healthy animals enter the country through international borders.
“This is the first facility of its kind in Nigeria, and we are proud that Cross River is the first state where it is being commissioned,” the minister said.
He explained that the Mfum facility is one of 12 similar projects planned across Nigeria’s international borders to strengthen disease surveillance and improve livestock movement.
Maiha said his visit would also include inspections of the Obudu Ranch and other livestock facilities to assess ongoing developments and attract investors.
The minister unveiled plans for a modern abattoir ecosystem in Cross River designed to reduce dependence on cattle transported from northern Nigeria.
According to him, a 500-head-per-day abattoir could generate up to 10,000 jobs across the livestock value chain, including feed production, cold-chain logistics and transportation.
“We believe Cross River is strategically positioned to become the leading red meat producer in the South-South. With Calabar’s coastal advantage, we are only about five hours from Gulf markets.
“Nigeria’s red meat export market is valued at approximately $3.4 billion,” he said.
To improve livestock production, Maiha announced plans to import about 60 million hatchable eggs as a short-term intervention and license more operators to reduce waiting time for poultry farmers.
He also called for increased investment in fodder production, including Napier grass, alfalfa and ryegrass, citing growing demand from Gulf countries.
The minister disclosed that the Obudu livestock project would include facilities for cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and a dairy centre to be developed in partnership with a university.
“All we need are the right incentives to get the project fully operational in Cross River. Our farmers are ready, and the state government is committed to providing an enabling environment that will make Nigeria proud,” he said.
Maiha added that the Federal Government aims to make Cross River’s livestock sector one of the most competitive in the world.
The visit comes as both the Federal and Cross River State governments intensify efforts to diversify the economy through agriculture, create jobs and position the state as Nigeria’s leading gateway for livestock exports by land, air and sea.
The Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility, the first of 12 planned nationwide, will certify the health status of animals entering Nigeria and help prevent the spread of transboundary animal diseases.