Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has disclosed that the federal government will soon turn the Obudu Cattle Ranch into a major hub for livestock and dairy production in Nigeria, having secured a commitment from Brazilian livestock investors worth over $2.

The minister acknowledged Nigeria’s N33 trillion livestock industry, noting that it remains vastly underutilized.

He spoke when he paid a visit to the ranch, which is located next to the famous Obudu Mountain Resort.

He explained that the $2.5 billion investment commitment is aimed at accelerating innovation and expansion in the livestock sector.

He outlined the Federal Government’s strategy to modernize the sector, including improved livestock management systems, strengthened disease control measures, and the expansion of rural infrastructure to support livestock farming.

Describing Obudu Cattle Ranch as a “low-hanging fruit” for the Federal Government’s ambitious livestock transformation agenda, the minister reaffirmed that the ranch has the potential to become a major player in Nigeria’s beef and dairy industry.

Maiha emphasized that the success of these initiatives would require robust partnerships between federal and state governments, traditional rulers, and pastoralist organizations, ensuring that policies translate into tangible benefits for local communities and drive national economic growth.

Welcoming the minister, Governor Bassey Otu, through his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Obudu Cattle Ranch.

He said the revitalization of Obudu Cattle Ranch presents a unique opportunity for economic transformation in the state.

Otu said his administration remains committed to partnering with federal authorities and private investors to fully harness the state’s agricultural potential, delivering long-term benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs, and the broader economy.

Otu described the initiative as a welcome development, highlighting Obudu’s unique climate, rich biodiversity, and vast landmass as key advantages for large-scale livestock farming and dairy production.

Governor Otu emphasized that global economic shifts provide an opportunity for Nigeria to expand its agricultural exports and attract agribusiness investments.

He urged stakeholders to leverage agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, shifting from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial production.

“Nigeria’s economic future depends on our ability to fully harness our agricultural and livestock resources. Large-scale investments in agriculture will enhance food security, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings,” he stated.