Once Nigeria’s crown jewel of eco-tourism, the misty heights of Obudu Cattle Ranch are stirring again. After years of rot, vandalism, and broken promises, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu is betting big ₦100 billion to turn the “abandoned paradise” into a five-star destination.
The fight to save Obudu began last year when Otu revoked a 25-year concession granted to CIBA Construction Company in 2017. The state said CIBA failed to renovate the resort’s hotel and key facilities, leaving the ranch “in a deteriorated state rather than improving its infrastructure”. Preliminary checks found ₦6.8bn in damages and vandalism.
Now, the takeover is complete. Otu’s team has unveiled a new eco-friendly redesign, and plans phased reconstruction to “revitalise and reposition the resort as a premier eco-tourism destination”. The goal: world-class amenities, jobs, and a boost to Cross River’s revenue.
Why it Matters
Perched 1,716ft above sea level, Obudu was first developed in 1951 by Scottish rancher M. McCaughey. Donald Duke remodelled it between 1999 and 2007 into one of Nigeria’s most iconic tourism projects.
But poor access, flight cancellations, and “poor management culture” drove visitors away. “The place is remote with the nearest airport being a few hours away,” one critic noted. Past guests complained of cold rooms, broken heaters, and days without power.
The New Plan
Beyond tourism, Abuja sees bigger potential. The Federal Government now calls Obudu a “low-hanging fruit” for its livestock transformation agenda, eyeing the ranch as a hub for beef and dairy production thanks to its unique climate and vast landmass.
Cross River isn’t waiting. Tourism Bureau MD Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong confirmed a new concession is being signed to develop Obudu into a five-star facility, with “about 100 billion naira” set for investment.
Locals are hopeful. “This is a turning point for the resort’s future,” said Obanliku native Madam Therese Odey.
The Challenge
Reviving Obudu means fixing more than buildings. Roads from Calabar take over 4 hours, and Nigeria’s airlines remain unreliable. But with a redesigned master plan ready and reconstruction starting “in a few weeks”, Otu is betting that beauty, cattle, and cash can bring the mountain back to life.
For now, the fog still rolls over the plateau. But for the first time in years, so does hope.
