Obudu Ranch Resort receives ₦100bn investment to transform it into a five-star destination, reviving tourism in Cross River State

Obudu Ranch Resort is set for a major transformation following a ₦100 billion investment aimed at turning the iconic site into a five-star destination and repositioning Cross River State as a leading hub for tourism in Nigeria.

Also read: Cross River Begins Obudu Ranch Reconstruction to Boost Tourism

The Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, announced the development after the state won the Best Nigeria Stand Award at the 21st Akwaaba Africa Travel Market.

Prince Ekpenyong revealed that the state government is finalising a concession agreement with a private developer, expected to be signed next week. “By next week, we will sign the agreement, and about ₦100 billion will be invested in the Ranch,” he confirmed.

He explained that the initiative would unlock the state’s vast tourism potential, projecting Cross River as a multi-attraction destination beyond the famed Obudu Ranch Resort. “Cross River is not a mono-destination state; we have many tourism products to sell to the world,” he said.

In addition to the Obudu project, the state is preparing for major tourism events, including a marathon and a food festival, designed to boost visitor numbers and stimulate local enterprise.

Prince Ekpenyong commended the partnership with Akwaaba’s founder, Ikechi Uko, noting the team’s support in advancing the state’s tourism agenda. Uko, in response, praised the competence and institutional capacity of the Cross River tourism team, expressing optimism for deeper collaborations.

Once regarded as the crown jewel of Nigerian tourism, the Obudu Ranch Resort, located in the serene hills of Obanliku Local Government Area, had suffered years of neglect and mismanagement.

Also read: Cross River State Government to revive Obudu mountain resort for tourism growth

The upcoming investment signals a revival of its former glory and a renewed commitment to positioning Cross River as the tourism capital of Nigeria.