Cross River To Partner with FG For Livestock Production

Cross River State is set for a major boost in agriculture and export trade after Governor Bassey Edet Otu hosted the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Muktar Maha, for the commissioning of Nigeria’s first Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility in Mfum, Ikom.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Otu was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey said the state was ready to partner with the Federal Ministry to turn Cross River into a livestock and export hub for 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,” the Governor 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.”

Gov. Otu announced that the cargo airport near Obudu Ranch is 85% complete, with the first aircraft expected to land in December 2026.

He added that the state plans to commence regular flights in the first quarter of next year from Abuja to Bukalo Airport and from Lagos to the Obudu International Passengers and Cargo Airport.

“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.

The Governor also linked the project to Cross River’s broader trade corridor. He noted that the state provides an evacuation route to the Gulf of Guinea, just two hours away, accessible through the Calabar International Airport. State-owned Cally Air is expected to begin regular flights to the Gulf soon to expand both business and tourism.

Gov. Otu assured the ministry of the state’s full cooperation, including stakeholder engagement with poultry and livestock farmers across Cross River.

Earlier, Maha said the Mfum facility is critical to protecting Nigeria’s economy by ensuring only healthy livestock crosses the borders from the Sahel and neighbouring countries.

“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.

“Tomorrow, we will commission this facility. It is one out of 12 spread across Nigeria’s international borders, from here up to other corridors. Each corridor will receive a large number of animals, and we are going to protect you.”

The Minister said his visit would also include inspections of the Obudu Ranch and other livestock facilities in the state to assess progress and attract investors.

He outlined plans for a modern abattoir ecosystem in Cross River to reduce dependence on cattle trucked in from northern states. According to him, a 500-head-per-day abattoir could create up to 10,000 jobs across the value chain, including feed production, cold chain storage, and transportation.

“We believe Cross River is well-positioned to dominate the red meat industry in the South-South. With Calabar’s coastal access, we are just about 5 hours from Gulf markets. The value of Nigeria’s red meat export is estimated at $3.4 billion,” Maha said.

To stabilise supply, the ministry announced plans to import about 60 million hatchable eggs as a short-term measure and to license operators to reduce farmers’ waiting times.

The minister also called for investment in fodder production, such as Napier, alfalfa, and ryegrass, noting high demand in Gulf states. He said the Obudu facility would include units for goats, sheep, cattle, and pigs, as well as a dairy centre in partnership with the university.

“All we need is an 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 added that the state’s goal is to make its livestock sector “one of the best in the world, not just in Nigeria.”

The Minister’s visit comes as both the federal and state governments push to diversify agriculture, create jobs, and position Cross River as Nigeria’s gateway for livestock export through land, air, and sea.

The facility, described as the first of 12 planned along Nigeria’s international borders, will certify the health of animals entering the country and is expected to curb the spread of transboundary animal diseases.