The Cross River State Government has entered into a 25-year concession agreement with Living Curation Real Estate Limited. This public-private partnership aims to redevelop the iconic Obudu Ranch Resort and other key tourism assets within the state.
The agreement, signed in Calabar on Friday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is set to support the comprehensive rehabilitation of Obudu Ranch Resort, Utanga Safari Lodge, and the Bebi Airstrip. The goal is to reposition these sites as world-class tourism destinations capable of attracting both local and international visitors.
Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, highlighted the concession as a significant step in Governor Bassey Otu’s strategy to revitalize the state’s tourism sector. He stated that this partnership underscores the government’s dedication to attracting private investment into strategic tourism assets.
Ani further explained that the concession is expected to transform these iconic tourism assets into a world-class tourism, hospitality, scientific eco-tourism, and conservation destination. This aligns with the governor’s vision to restore the state’s position as Nigeria’s leading tourism destination. Under the terms of the agreement, the rehabilitated facilities will revert to the state government after the 25-year concession period.
The state government anticipates that the project will stimulate economic activity in host communities through fresh investment, job creation, and increased business opportunities. Women in these communities are expected to be among the primary beneficiaries of this initiative.
Beyond employment opportunities during the redevelopment and operational phases, the project also aims to promote scientific eco-tourism, environmental conservation, and sustainable economic development. Living Curation Real Estate Limited has affirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class tourism and hospitality destination in line with the state’s vision.
This latest concession follows the Cross River State Government’s decision in March 2025 to terminate a previous concession agreement with CIBA Construction Company Limited. That termination was due to alleged breaches of contractual obligations.
The state had cited CIBA’s failure to carry out key investments required under the agreement, including the renovation of the resort’s hotel and critical infrastructure. The original concession, signed in 2017, was revoked after the government stated the company failed to remedy repeated contractual breaches despite several opportunities. The previous agreement was also structured as a public-private partnership to modernize and operate the resort.
This new concession marks another attempt by the state government to revive one of Nigeria’s most iconic tourism destinations through private sector investment. Obudu Ranch Resort, formerly known as Obudu Cattle Ranch, was established in 1951 by Scottish rancher M. McCaughley and is one of Nigeria’s best-known mountain tourism destinations.
The resort gained international recognition during the administration of former Governor Donald Duke, who oversaw major investments in roads, chalets, the cable car system, and other tourism infrastructure. However, over the years, inadequate maintenance and limited investment contributed to the deterioration of the resort and a decline in visitor numbers.
The latest concession is a central part of the Cross River State Government’s efforts to restore the resort’s infrastructure and reposition it as a leading tourism destination for both domestic and international visitors. The redevelopment of Obudu Ranch is expected to play a crucial role in the state’s strategy to revive tourism, attract private investment, and stimulate economic activity across Cross River.
