Federal Airport Authority Charged to Upgrade Facility in Calabar
The government of Cross River State under the administration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as Governor, has called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently carry out an upgrade at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, as they draw closer to the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference (AfSNET).
The governor made this statement during a courtesy call at the government house, which was attended by the governing board of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, led by its chairman, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje.
He said the growing increase in passengers’ traffic during the forth coming 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 stated.
He said the conference, which is scheduled for November 12th to 14th, 2026, is expected to attract about 2,000 delegates from 19 African countries and the Caribbean.
Governor Otu specifically called for the activation and upgrade of the airport’s crucial personnel (VIP) international lounge to meet the needs of international visitors and dignitaries expected for the 2026 conference.
The Cross River Governor also urged the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria to address challenges affecting the ongoing airport-related projects and stressed 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.
According to the Executive Governor, the state was interested in developing a sustainable partnership with FAAN beyond the conference, particularly in the areas of aviation infrastructure, passenger services, security, technology and operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Board Chairman of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, in his speech has assured the government of Cross River State that the Airport Authority is prepared to work in synergy and collaborate effectively for the overall improvement of operations.
Ganduje, who was in the state as part of a facility tour, said the growing tourism and investment activities in Cross River State will improve airport infrastructure adequately.
