To boost agriculture and livestock export, the Cross River state government and the federal government have commissioned Nigeria’s first Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility in Mfum, Ikom local government area of the state.
Speaking, Thursday in Calabar while receiving the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Governor Bassey Otu said the state was ready to partner with the federal ministry to transform Cross River into a major livestock production and export hub for Nigeria and West Africa.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, said the facility would strengthen livestock development, improve export opportunities and enhance the state’s agricultural economy.
“For farmers who want to invest in livestock, it will be easier to export livestock from Obudu Ranch to anywhere in the world. We are making the ranch a five-star resort where visitors from all over the world will be happy to visit,” he said.
Governor Otu also stated that the Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport, located close to the Obudu Ranch Resort, is about 85 per cent completed, with the first aircraft expected to land in December 2026.
He added that the state plans to commence scheduled flights in the first quarter of next year, operating the Abuja–Bukalo route as well as Lagos–Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport.
Earlier, Hon. Idi Maiha described the Mfum facility as a strategic investment aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s livestock industry by ensuring that only healthy livestock enters the country through its borders with 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 facility is being formally commissioned,” he said.