The Obudu Ranch Resort, once the crown jewel of Nigeria’s tourism landscape, is on the brink of a historic revival. Under the visionary leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, the Cross River State Government has taken decisive steps to restore the iconic resort to its former glory and reposition it as a leading eco-tourism destination in Africa. After more than a year of careful concession negotiations, the administration has secured a capable private partner, Living Curation Real Estate Limited, to rehabilitate, modernize, operate and maintain the Ranch — ensuring that the benefits of this investment flow to the state and to the host communities in Obanliku.
This initiative represents more than a tourism project; it is a strategic economic transformation. When revamped, the Obudu Ranch Resort will diversify tourism in Cross River State, shifting the narrative from a seasonal rush to Calabar to a year-round destination centred on Obudu. The rehabilitation of the iconic cable car, the upgrade of accommodation and hospitality facilities, the improvement of internal infrastructure, and the introduction of new attractions will make the Ranch a world-class resort capable of attracting both domestic and international tourists throughout the year.
The Resort’s potential as a venue for high-profile events is already being realized. Just recently, the Defence Intelligence Agency hosted a geographical and cultural tour of defence attaches from Australia, Pakistan and other countries at the Obudu Ranch Resort, a testament to the facility’s capacity to accommodate prestigious gatherings. With the ongoing rehabilitation and the introduction of new attractions, international conferences, corporate retreats, and diplomatic engagements will find a natural home in Obudu, further cementing the Resort’s place on the global stage and bringing sustained economic activity to the region all year round.
Beyond the Ranch Resort itself, the surrounding infrastructure is being reimagined to support sustainable growth. The Bebi Airstrip will be rehabilitated to improve accessibility and attract increased tourist and investment traffic, while the Utanga Safari Lodge will be redeveloped into a modern flora and fauna conservation centre dedicated to wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, environmental education and ecological tourism. These developments will not only enhance the visitor experience but also create employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and benefit farmers, artisans, transport operators, traders and other economic actors across Obanliku, Obudu and the wider Cross River State.
Critically, the Governor has made it clear that this concession does not amount to the sale of public assets. The Obudu Ranch Resort, Bebi Airstrip and Utanga Safari Lodge remain the property of the Government and people of Cross River State. The concession only grants the private investor the right to finance, rehabilitate, modernize, operate and maintain the facilities for an agreed period, after which the assets, including all improvements made during the concession, will revert fully to the State Government. Oversight will be maintained through a Project Advisory Committee, which includes community liaison officers, to monitor implementation and safeguard the public interest.
Governor Otu’s administration has also demonstrated a deep commitment to inclusive governance. At a recent stakeholders’ engagement in Sankwalla, Obanliku Local Government Area, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, assured host communities of meaningful and lasting benefits from the concession. He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders to support the project and maintain an atmosphere of peace, cooperation and mutual respect. The administration has pledged continuous engagement and fair consideration of genuine concerns raised through recognized traditional institutions, community liaison representatives and designated government channels — recognizing that the success of the concession depends on a strong partnership between Government, the concessionaire and the host communities.
Trust in the concessionaire is equally important. Speaking on behalf of Living Curation Real Estate Limited, the company’s representative and team lead, Col. Amit Ghosh, disclosed that the firm has operated in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for about 20 years and has expanded its operations to Cross River State, where it has been active in Akamkpa Local Government Area for about four and a half years. Ghosh said the company’s vision for Cross River goes beyond the revival of Obudu Ranch. The firm plans to develop the Utanga Safari into a world-class conservation and scientific research centre for the protection and breeding of endangered African species, while also rehabilitating public health centres within three months. This track record and long-term commitment to the state provide additional assurance that the concession is in capable hands.
The economic and social implications of this initiative are profound. A fully optimized Obudu Ranch Resort will not only attract tourists but also position Cross River State as a hub for conservation, research and sustainable development. The Obudu Cargo Airport, now in its completion state, will further enhance access to the area, opening up new opportunities for trade and investment. Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of public health centres in the area within three months, as disclosed by the concession partner, underscores the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in the host communities.
In an era when the public assets of many states are abandoned by successive governments in preference for new signature projects, Governor Otu’s bold decision to secure a competent private partner for the Obudu Ranch, a demonstration of both political will and strategic foresight, should be commended. By leveraging private capital and operational expertise while preserving public ownership, the administration is putting money in the pockets of Cross Riverians without spending public funds in the process!
As the rehabilitation progresses, one thing is clear: the Obudu Ranch Resort is no longer a fading memory but a living proof of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s resolve to diversify the state’s economy, create jobs, and build a sustainable future for its people. Cross River State is poised to stamp its mark as Nigeria’s premier tourism destination not just in December, but all year round.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Fred Abua and does not represent Theluminenews its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.