Cross River State has taken a significant step towards reopening one of Nigeria’s most recognisable mountain tourism destinations, with a successful test flight conducted at Bebi Airstrip in Obanliku Local Government Area.
The flight, carried out on Thursday, is part of preparations for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Obudu Mountain Resort and its supporting facilities. Sunday Michael, Special Adviser to the Cross River Governor on Obudu Ranch, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Saturday.
The development could help tackle one of the major challenges that has affected the resort over the years: accessibility. Bebi Airstrip had been closed for a prolonged period following safety concerns, regulatory restrictions and the withdrawal of essential services by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over unpaid debts.
Commercial flights have not yet resumed, but the successful test provides an important indication that air connectivity could return as the state advances its plans for the mountain destination.
The state government intends to temporarily close the resort from September 1 to commence work covering the Obudu Mountain Resort, Waterpark, Safari Lodge and Bebi Airstrip. The programme is designed to modernise the facilities, improve supporting infrastructure and provide visitors with a stronger tourism experience.
Michael said the goal is to create “a tourism destination capable of competing favourably with leading destinations in Nigeria and across the world.”
The renewed attention on Obudu comes after years of decline at a destination that once stood among Nigeria’s most celebrated tourist attractions. Originally developed in 1951 as Obudu Cattle Ranch, the facility gained greater prominence during the administration of former Cross River Governor Donald Duke between 1999 and 2007, when investments were made in roads, chalets, cable cars and other facilities.
The resort subsequently deteriorated amid inadequate maintenance and limited investment, prompting successive efforts to restore its fortunes.
One of the more recent developments came in March 2025, when the Cross River State Government revoked a 25-year concession awarded to CIBA Construction Company Limited in 2017. The state cited the company’s failure to meet key contractual obligations, including investment in renovating the resort’s hotel and other infrastructure.
Under the public-private partnership, CIBA was expected to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the resort. The state government said repeated breaches continued despite opportunities for the company to address them, leading to the termination of the agreement.
Obudu is now part of a tourism investment strategy by the Cross River Government. In July 2025, the state approved N18 billion for the rehabilitation and upgrading of major tourism assets under Governor Bassey Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” initiative.
The funding covers the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Marina Resort, Obudu Mountain Resort and Kwa Falls, as well as the remodelling of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa.
The state has also planned an “Experience Calabar” tourism campaign and Heritage Market to promote local arts and culture. To strengthen connectivity, Cross River acquired two CRJ 1000 aircraft for Cally Air.
For Obudu, the combination of renewed investment and improved access could give the mountain destination an opportunity to reclaim its place in Nigeria’s tourism landscape. Its cool climate, scenic mountain terrain and distinctive environment have historically attracted domestic and international visitors.
With Bebi Airstrip now tested and work scheduled to begin on September 1, Cross River is positioning Obudu for a new chapter after years of decline.
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