The 25-year concession signed by the Cross River State Government with Living Curation Real Estate Limited to redevelop Obudu Ranch Resort marks a welcome return to the original vision of Obudu as a world-class tourism destination driven by private investment, professional management and commercial discipline. Under this public-private partnership, the government retains ownership while the concessionaire finances, rehabilitates and operates Obudu Ranch Resort, Utanga Safari Lodge and Bebi Airstrip before returning the assets to the state at the concession’s end. It is a bold statement that tourism can once again become a major economic pillar for Cross River State and enhance Nigeria’s standing as a competitive global tourism destination. 

The agreement follows years of decline. Once the pride of Nigerian tourism, Obudu gradually deteriorated through neglect, poor maintenance and failed concession arrangements. Governor Bassey Otu rightly revoked the previous concession, recovered the assets and ordered a comprehensive redesign to international standards while committing substantial resources to revitalise Obudu, Tinapa, Marina Resort and other tourism facilities. It is a welcome strategy of asset recovery and infrastructural face-lift. The proposed transformation is extensive and necessary. It encompasses the complete refurbishment of hotels and lodges, restoration of the iconic cable car, rehabilitation of Bebi Airstrip, reliable electricity infrastructure and new accommodation that will support a fully integrated eco-tourism destination. Properly executed, Obudu possesses every ingredient to rank among Africa’s premier mountain resorts, complementing attractions such as Yankari Game Reserve, Ikogosi Warm Springs and the Lekki Conservation Centre, offering the unique attraction of Nigeria’s rare temperate climate.

This ambition is hardly unprecedented. Former Governor Donald Duke demonstrated remarkable foresight by making tourism the cornerstone of Cross River’s economic diversification strategy, with Obudu and Tinapa serving as flagship projects supported by aggressive branding, improved road networks and internationally recognised festivals. The tragedy was that succeeding administrations failed to continue these investments. Predictably, facilities deteriorated, the cable car fell silent and Obudu became a painful reminder of squandered opportunities. The current initiative must therefore be matched by unwavering execution. The government should rigorously enforce performance benchmarks, environmental standards and transparent reporting throughout the concession period. Local communities must be integrated into the value chain through employment, agriculture, hospitality, transport and cultural enterprises so that tourism becomes an engine of inclusive prosperity.

Governor Otu deserves commendation for restoring tourism to the forefront of economic planning. Other state governments should draw valuable lessons by identifying their comparative tourism advantages, developing essential infrastructure, attracting credible investors and treating tourism as a serious economic industry. Properly developed, it generates employment, earns foreign exchange, stimulates small businesses, strengthens national branding and encourages the preservation of culture, history and the natural environment. A successful Obudu renaissance would demonstrate that Nigeria is indeed the heart of Africa and a global tourism cynosure.