By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to upgrade facilities at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, ahead of the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference.
The conference, scheduled for November 12 to 14, 2026, is expected to attract about 2,000 delegates from 19 African countries and the Caribbean.
Otu made the call when the governing board of FAAN, led by its Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, paid a courtesy visit to him in Calabar.
The governor said the expected increase in passenger traffic during the conference made it necessary for FAAN and the state government to begin preparations to ensure that the airport could adequately handle the influx of visitors.
“We are expecting people from about 19 African countries, and we are looking at almost 2,000 people coming into Cross River,” Otu said.
He specifically called for the activation and upgrading of the airport’s VIP International Lounge to meet the needs of international visitors and dignitaries expected for the conference.
Otu also urged FAAN to address challenges affecting ongoing airport-related projects, stressing the need for their completion before the conference.
“We need to look at whatever challenges we have and address them immediately,” he said, adding that the projects should be delivered within the stipulated timeframe because the conference date could not be shifted.
The governor further called for improved security at the airport and closer coordination among FAAN, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies.
He said the state was interested in developing a sustained partnership with FAAN beyond the conference, particularly in the areas of aviation infrastructure, passenger services, security, technology and operational efficiency.
According to him, an efficient airport is essential to Cross River’s tourism and investment plans, given its importance as a gateway for visitors and investors.
Earlier, Ganduje said FAAN was prepared to work with the Cross River State Government to improve operations and passenger experience at the airport.
Ganduje, who was in the state as part of a facility tour, said the growing tourism and investment activities in Cross River made improved airport infrastructure necessary.
He said the authority would explore areas of collaboration with the state government to strengthen aviation services in Calabar.
