Federal Government to Transform Obudu Cattle Ranch into Livestock and Dairy Hub
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the Obudu Cattle Ranch into a major center for livestock and dairy production. This announcement was made by Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, on Wednesday during his visit to the ranch.
Obudu Cattle Ranch is strategically located next to the famous Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State. Minister Maiha highlighted Nigeria's potential in the livestock sector, estimated to be worth N33 trillion, which remains largely untapped.
According to Maiha, the government aims to drive innovation and growth in the industry by modernizing livestock management systems, enhancing disease control measures, and improving rural infrastructure to support livestock farming. He described the ranch as a "low-hanging fruit" for the government's livestock transformation agenda, with the potential to become a key player in the country's beef and dairy sectors.
The success of these initiatives, Maiha noted, will depend on solid partnerships between federal and state governments, traditional rulers, and pastoralist organizations to ensure policies result in tangible benefits for local communities and contribute to national economic growth.
During the announcement, Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, praised the government's commitment to revitalizing Obudu Ranch. Otu emphasized the initiative as a unique opportunity for economic development within the state and pledged support for collaboration with federal authorities and private investors to maximize the state's agricultural potential.
Governor Otu pointed out the ranch's advantageous climate, biodiversity, and expansive land as key components for large-scale livestock and dairy production. He also mentioned that the evolving global economy provides Nigeria an opportunity to expand agricultural exports and attract agribusiness investments.
He urged stakeholders to utilize agriculture as a primary driver of economic growth, transitioning from subsistence to large-scale commercial agriculture. "Nigeria's economic future hinges on our ability to fully exploit our agricultural and livestock resources," he said.
The government’s announcement follows a $2.5 billion investment commitment from Brazilian livestock investors, further underscoring the potential of Nigeria's livestock sector.
In a related development, on November 22, 2024, the federal government signed a letter of intent with JBS S.A, a leading global meat processing company, to invest in Nigeria's $2.5 billion livestock sector.
