Otu Seeks FAAN Partnership To Upgrade Calabar Airport

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the state government to upgrade facilities and improve operations at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, ahead of the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference.

The governor made the call on Wednesday in Calabar when the governing board of FAAN, led by its Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Alhaji Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, paid him a courtesy visit.

The AfSNET conference, scheduled to hold from November 12 to 14, 2026, is expected to attract delegates from about 19 African countries, as well as other international participants, with the total number of visitors projected to reach about 2,000.

Otu said the anticipated influx of visitors made it necessary for the state and FAAN to urgently strengthen airport infrastructure and operations to ensure efficient flight services and a seamless passenger experience.

He described the airport as the gateway to Cross River and stressed that its facilities must reflect the state’s growing profile as a tourism, investment and diplomatic destination.

“The state is preparing to receive a significant number of visitors in connection with the AfSNET conference and other forthcoming activities, including the visit of the President.

“We are expecting people from about 19 African countries, and we are looking at almost 2,000 people coming into Cross River State,” the governor said.

Otu urged FAAN to immediately commence preparations to ensure that the airport could adequately handle the expected passenger traffic and dignitaries.

According to him, the state could not afford a situation where existing infrastructure would be overwhelmed by the number and calibre of visitors expected during the conference.

He specifically called for the activation and upgrading of the airport’s VIP International Lounge to meet international standards and provide appropriate facilities for high-ranking officials and foreign visitors.

“We need the VIP International Lounge to be activated and upgraded. We must have facilities that can meet international standards, particularly because of the kind of visitors we are expecting,” he said.

The governor also emphasised the importance of the airport to the state’s tourism and investment ambitions, noting that the experience of visitors upon arrival could shape their perception of Cross River.

“For us, the airport is the gateway to Cross River. It is the first point of contact for many of our visitors, and therefore, it must reflect the standard, beauty and hospitality for which Cross River is known,” Otu added.

On security, the governor called for stronger coordination between FAAN, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies operating at the airport.

He said the anticipated gathering of international delegates and dignitaries required a comprehensive security arrangement capable of protecting passengers, visitors and critical aviation infrastructure.

“We need to strengthen the team by working with the Nigerian Air Force and ensure that the necessary provisions are put in place as soon as possible,” he said.

Otu further urged FAAN and other stakeholders to resolve any challenges affecting airport-related projects, stressing that the state could not afford delays with preparations for the international conference already underway.

“We need to look at whatever challenges we have and address them immediately. We have to ensure that the projects are delivered within the stipulated timeframe because we are working towards a date and that date cannot be shifted for us,” he said.