Nigeria's Cross River State Launches First Livestock Control Post to Boost Red Meat Exports

The Cross River state government and Nigeria's federal Ministry of Livestock Development commissioned the country's first Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility in Mfum, Ikom Local Government Area. Minister Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha and Governor Bassey Otu highlighted the post as a strategic step to certify healthy livestock, prevent disease entry, and position Cross River as a hub for red‑meat exports valued at about $3.4 billion.

The facility is the first of twelve planned border posts and will support a modern abattoir capable of processing 500 cattle daily, creating roughly 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across meat processing, logistics, and feed production. Additional measures include the short‑term import of 60 million hatchable eggs and promotion of commercial fodder such as Napier grass. Development of the Obudu Ranch and the near‑completion of the Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport are also intended to enhance export logistics, with the airport expected to receive its first aircraft in December 2026 and scheduled flights to begin early next year.