From Conflict To Commerce: Cross River Maps Seven-Year Livestock Transformation Plan
By ETETE EKONG
THE Cross River Government has unveiled plans to build a livestock economy worth more than ₦100 billion by 2033, with organised ranching, livestock production clusters and improved animal-health infrastructure forming key parts of the strategy.
The plans are contained in the state’s proposed seven-year Livestock Development Roadmap for 2027–2033.
The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Livestock Development, Liyel Imoukhuede, disclosed the details in separate interviews with journalists in Calabar.
Building a ₦100bn Livestock Economy
Imoukhuede said the roadmap was designed to transform livestock production from largely subsistence activity into a structured, commercial and investment-driven sector.
According to him, the state is targeting a livestock economy worth more than ₦100 billion over the seven-year period.
The roadmap will cover cattle, dairy, poultry, pigs, sheep and goats, aquaculture, feed production, processing, cold-chain logistics, meat markets and other livestock-related services.
“We are moving beyond simply keeping animals to building an integrated livestock economy,” he said.
He explained that the strategy would focus on productivity, animal health, infrastructure, value addition, investment, market access, job creation and food security.
Ranching & Livestock Clusters
As part of the strategy, the government plans to move away from open and unmanaged livestock movement towards organised livestock production.
Imoukhuede said the state was identifying suitable locations for ranching, demonstration farms, pasture development and livestock production clusters.
He added that land access would be carefully planned and handled within the state’s legal and community frameworks.
However, he stressed that modern ranching involved more than providing land for cattle.
“A modern ranch requires water, pasture, veterinary services, animal health infrastructure, roads, security, feed, and market linkages,” he said.
The government therefore plans to develop supporting infrastructure alongside ranching facilities.
Tackling Farmer-Herder Conflicts
The ranching strategy is also expected to contribute to efforts to reduce recurring tensions between farmers and herders.
Imoukhuede said the government’s approach was designed to protect farmers while creating a viable and organised economic system for pastoralists.
“Our philosophy is simple; farmers must be protected, pastoralists must have a viable economic system, and livestock production must be organised in a way that reduces avoidable conflict,” he said.
The state’s location along an international livestock corridor, he added, makes proper control of animal movement particularly important.
Strengthening Animal Health & Trade
The Border Animal Holding and Quarantine Facility at Mfum-Ajassor in Etung is expected to play an important role in the new strategy.
According to Imoukhuede, the facility will support animal movement control, disease surveillance, traceability and safer cross-border livestock trade.
The state also plans to strengthen veterinary services and animal-health infrastructure as it expands production.
The approach is expected to support both livestock producers and consumers while improving disease control across the value chain.
Investment & Market Opportunities
The government is also seeking private-sector participation in livestock production, processing, logistics and related businesses.
Imoukhuede said Cross River’s strategic location, agricultural land, international border and existing agricultural assets could position the state as a major livestock production and export hub.
The state is working with the Federal Government and development partners through programmes including the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES).
The immediate phase of the roadmap will focus on farmer enumeration, stakeholder engagement, livestock assessment, veterinary strengthening, land and ranching planning, investment mobilisation and completion of the development roadmap.
The medium-term phase will focus on expanding production, infrastructure, processing, employment and market access.
Ultimately, the government says the strategy is intended to create a more integrated livestock economy capable of generating wealth, food, jobs and investment for Cross River.
