News Investigators/ Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, says the Obudu International Cargo Airport will commence flight operations in 2027.
Mr Eno made the statement when the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha visited the state on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister was in Cross River for the inauguration of Nigeria’s first livestock control post and quarantine facility in Ikom.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, Mr Otu said that the Obudu Cargo Airport had reached 85 per cent completion.
The governor said that when on stream, the airport would boost livestock exports and investment.
He further said that the state was transforming Obudu Ranch into a five-star destination, adding, “we are engaging investors to expand livestock production and tourism opportunities”
Mr Otu said that Cross River’s strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea would strengthen regional trade, and that Cally Air would support business and tourism growth.
On his part, Maiha said that the livestock control post and quarantine facility would help to prevent diseased animals from entering the country through international border corridors.
He said that 12 of such facilities would be implemented nationwide to protect livestock, improve border surveillance and strengthen Nigeria’s animal health security system.
“Cross River can dominate the South-South red meat industry through modern abattoirs, it can create about 10,000 jobs across production, processing, and transportation.
“We have plans to import 60 million hatchable eggs, license operators and promote fodder cultivation to improve livestock productivity and investment,” he said.
He said that Obudu would host integrated facilities for cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and dairy production through collaboration with universities and private investors.
NAN