Governor Otu Hands Over Obudu Ranch Resort to Indian Investors for 25-Year Concession

The Cross River State Government has handed over the Obudu Ranch Resort, Utanga Safari Lodge and Bebi Airstrip to Living Curation Real Estate Limited, an Indian investment company, under a 25-year concession agreement aimed at reviving the state’s tourism sector.

The handover was carried out by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, on behalf of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, during a stakeholders’ engagement in Sankwalla, Obanliku Local Government Area.

Odey described the concession as a strategic move to attract private investment, strengthen public-private partnerships and reposition Cross River State as a leading tourism destination.

According to him, the agreement followed a transparent and competitive process designed to secure a capable partner to rehabilitate, modernise, operate and maintain the facilities.

He said the planned investment would include the rehabilitation of the iconic cable car, upgrading of accommodation and hospitality facilities, improvement of internal infrastructure and recreational amenities, as well as the introduction of new attractions.

The Bebi Airstrip, he added, would also be rehabilitated to improve access to the area and facilitate increased tourist and investment traffic.

Odey further disclosed that the Utanga Safari Lodge would be transformed into a modern flora and fauna conservation centre, with facilities for wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, environmental education and ecological tourism.

The Deputy Governor stressed that the concession was not a sale of the Obudu Ranch Resort, Bebi Airstrip or Utanga Safari Lodge, noting that the facilities remained assets of the Cross River State Government and its people.

He explained that Living Curation Real Estate Limited had only been granted the right to finance, rehabilitate, modernise, operate and maintain the facilities for the agreed period.

At the expiration of the concession, Odey said, the assets and improvements made during the period would revert fully to the state government in line with the agreement.

He also assured residents that the government would maintain oversight through a Project Advisory Committee, which includes community liaison officers, to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement and protect the public interest.

The Deputy Governor appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to support the project, assuring them that government would continue to engage the host communities and address genuine concerns.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Sunday Michael, welcomed Living Curation Real Estate Limited and expressed appreciation for its confidence in the potential of the Ranch and Cross River State.

Representing the concessionaire, the company’s Team Lead, Amit Ghosh, said the firm had spent more than a year developing plans to revive the Obudu Ranch and transform Utanga Safari Lodge into a world-class conservation and scientific research centre focused on protecting and breeding endangered African species.

Ghosh said the investment would create employment and attract tourists and other investors to the area.

He also disclosed that the company planned to rehabilitate the Ranch and Village Public Health Centres within three months, while appealing to traditional rulers, clan heads and residents to provide a peaceful environment for the successful implementation of the project.

Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Hon. Sunny Ayang, described the concession as a landmark development that would create jobs, stimulate economic activities, improve infrastructure and empower host communities.

Representatives of the host communities, including Chief David Chris Ocha, youth representative Comrade Gabriel Ugbo, women representative Hon. Bridget Alina and traditional rulers led by the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, HRM Uchua Amos Item, also welcomed the initiative.

They expressed optimism that the project would generate employment, improve infrastructure and boost local businesses, while assuring the concessionaire of their cooperation.

The stakeholders, however, called for transparency, continuous dialogue and equitable distribution of the benefits arising from the project.

The concession is expected to mark a new phase in the development of Cross River State’s flagship tourism assets and restore the Obudu Ranch to its position as one of Nigeria and Africa’s leading eco-tourism destinations.