Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River
Cross River State Government has said it would need over ₦200 billion to bring the iconic Obudu Mountain Resort back to life—along with a bold slate of new infrastructure that could turn the famed highlands into one of Africa’s top tourism magnets.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, Mr. Sunday Michael, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on the Obudu Mountain Resort, revealed that the multi-billion-naira plan covers major upgrades, including a new airstrip, a 3WM power plant, and the long-awaited revival of the cable car system. Housing units are also in the pipeline, though their cost falls outside the current estimate.
According to him, interest from international investors has surged.
“Several private firms from Egypt, India and a host of other foreign countries have shown interest in the rehabilitation and building of these infrastructures on the resort,” he said.
“The government is holding talks with several firms from different countries and we are not surprised by these interests because of the potential of the resort.”
Michael added that discussions with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have already been concluded for the construction of a dedicated power plant, designed exclusively to serve the resort’s operations.
“As we speak, talks have been concluded with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to build the power plant which will purposely serve the resort,” he confirmed.
To safeguard the resort from the neglect that followed previous administrations, Michael disclosed that the state is adopting a more sustainable model.
He revealed that the resort will be listed on three major global stock exchanges, ensuring private-sector management while the government steps back from day-to-day control.
“Gov. Otu is trying to avoid the past experience where the resort was left to rot after the expiration of a particular administration in the state,” he explained.
“When listed on the stock markets, the private sector will majorly run the place while the government takes the backstage.”
He also confirmed that the Federal Government has already released ₦5 billion, which the state is currently using for emergency rehabilitation work.
The Obudu Mountain Resort has faced a turbulent decade. In 2017, the administration of then-Governor Ben Ayade entered a public-private partnership with CIBA Construction Company Ltd., granting the firm responsibility for financing, operating, and reviving the resort, with Marriott International expected to participate.
But in March 2025, Governor Otu terminated the agreement, accusing CIBA of failing to meet key development and investment commitments—including basic renovation of the resort’s hotels and major infrastructure. State officials said the once-celebrated tourist haven suffered extensive vandalism and deterioration under the concession, with damages estimated at ₦6.8 billion.
They described the situation as “unprecedented deterioration” and “vandalisation of facilities,” prompting the government’s intervention.
With fresh funding, global investor interest, and a new sustainability model, the Otu led administration says the mountain resort is now on the path to a dramatic comeback.
