Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, praised the federal government’s proposal to establish Obudu Cattle Ranch as a major centre for the production of dairy products and livestock. Obudu’s climate, biodiversity, and landmass are important benefits for large-scale farming, according to Otu, who said through Deputy Governor Peter Odey during a visit by Minister of Livestock Development Idi Maiha. The ₦33 trillion cattle business in Nigeria is still underutilised, according to Maiha, who also revealed intentions to modernise the sector, with Obudu serving as a focal point.
In order to promote Innovation and growth in cattle production, Nigeria has obtained a $2.5 billion Investment from Brazilian investors, the minister disclosed. To guarantee that the effort is successful, he underlined the importance of close cooperation between the federal and state governments, pastoralist organisations, and traditional authorities. With the project’s potential to revolutionise Cross River State’s economy, Otu was enthusiastic. Nigeria’s agricultural potential was emphasised by the governor, who advocated for a transition from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial agriculture.
This transformation has great economic potential.
As an illustration of strategic agricultural investment, he cited the cocoa business in Cross River and advocated for more public-private partnerships to modernise the sector. Also, he emphasised the role that women, young people, and traditional leaders have in making sure that agricultural reforms directly affect rural communities’ socioeconomic well-being. Obudu Cattle Ranch’s transformation into a major cattle and dairy production hub by the Federal Government has great economic potential. Although the project’s precise estimates are not made public, comparable agricultural endeavours in Nigeria offer valuable insights.
About 38% of Nigeria’s workforce is employed in agriculture, which continues to be a vital sector of the country’s economy. Large-scale agricultural initiatives could significantly increase Economic Expansion and generate job possibilities. For example, the Kano River Project, a massive Irrigation project in Northern Nigeria, was intended to boost local economies and increase agricultural output over a 66,000-hectare area. Even though obstacles have prevented it from being fully realised, the project’s size highlights the enormous economic impact that such endeavours can have. In terms of Export potential, Nigeria’s Agriculture sector has long been underutilised.
Large-scale projects frequently cause local farmers to voice concerns.
Modernising establishments like the Obudu Cattle Ranch might help the nation produce more dairy and livestock, which could increase exports and lessen dependency on imports. Nigeria’s Trade balance and standing in the international agriculture market may both benefit from this change. Large-scale projects frequently cause local farmers to voice concerns, especially when it comes to resource access and land displacement. For instance, more than 1,000 farmers in Kebbi State demonstrated against the Zauro Polder Project’s development because they were afraid of losing their farms and receiving little compensation.
These incidents highlight how crucial it is to include local people in the planning process in order to resolve issues and provide fair benefits. A number of obstacles can stand in the way of Obudu Cattle Ranch’s effective transformation. Land acquisition for major projects can cause conflict, particularly if nearby communities feel displaced or underpaid. For example, the Bakolori Dam project encountered strong opposition because displaced farmers were not adequately compensated, which sparked demonstrations and social instability. Poor road networks and unstable electrical supplies are examples of inadequate Infrastructure that can impede project execution and restrict agricultural products’ access to markets.
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According to a poll of Nigerian farmers, poor roads and a lack of energy are the two main issues influencing agricultural output. Local communities may oppose projects out of concerns about being marginalised or the environment being harmed if sufficient engagement and open communication are not maintained. Farmers who were worried about losing their land and means of subsistence protested the Zauro Polder Project. Even though Obudu Cattle Ranch’s transformation offers a lot of promise for economic expansion, job development, and higher exports, the project’s success and Sustainability depend on rigorous assessment of potential obstacles and aggressive stakeholder engagement.