The Cross River State Government has said the new investors taking over the iconic Obudu Mountain Resort will rehabilitate, modernise and manage the facility for an agreed period, after which the assets and improvements will revert to the state.
Since assumption of power by Governor Bassey Otu in 2023, his administration has sunk substantial amounts to rejuvenate the tourist resort until the latest agreement with the investors.
Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, disclosed this weekend at a stakeholders’ engagement in Sankwala, Obanliku Local Government Area.
Odey stressed that the concession did not amount to the sale of the Obudu Mountain Resort, Bebi Airstrip or Utanga Safari Lodge, saying the assets remained the property of the Cross River State Government.
He said the concession was the outcome of a transparent and competitive process aimed at securing a private partner capable of financing the rehabilitation, modernisation, operation and maintenance of the facilities.
According to him, the investment will include rehabilitation of the resort’s cable car, upgrading of accommodation and hospitality facilities, improvement of internal infrastructure and recreational amenities, and introduction of new attractions.
He added that the Bebi Airstrip would also be rehabilitated to improve access to the resort, while the Utanga Safari Lodge would be redeveloped as a conservation centre for wildlife, biodiversity protection, environmental education and ecological tourism.
Odey said the project was expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activities for farmers, artisans, traders, transport operators and other businesses in Obanliku, Obudu and the wider state.
He said the government would retain oversight of the concession through a Project Advisory Committee, including community liaison officers, to monitor implementation 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 genuine concerns would be addressed through recognised community and government channels.
The representative of the concessionaire, Living Curation Real Estate Limited, Amit Ghosh, said the company had spent more than a year working on the project and planned to revive the resort and develop Utanga Safari into a conservation and scientific research centre for endangered African species.
Ghosh also disclosed plans to rehabilitate the Ranch and Village public health centres within three months, while calling for the cooperation of host communities.
Representatives of the host communities expressed support for the concession, saying they expected it to create employment, improve infrastructure and attract tourists and investors to the area.