Cross River: Governor Otu Seeks FAAN Partnership to Upgrade Airport Ahead of AFSNET 2026

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has called for stronger cooperation with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve flight operations, airport facilities and passenger experience ahead of the 2026 Africa Food Systems Network (AFSNET) activities.

Otu made the call in Calabar when the Governing Board of FAAN, led by its Chairman, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, paid him a courtesy visit.

The governor said the engagement was particularly important as Cross River prepares to host visitors from across Africa and the diaspora. He disclosed that about 19 African countries were expected to be represented, with roughly 2,000 guests anticipated during the forthcoming activities and the visit of President Bola Tinubu.

Otu therefore urged FAAN to immediately scale up operations and improve facilities at the airport to handle the expected rise in passenger traffic and visiting dignitaries.

He specifically called for the activation and upgrading of the VIP International Lounge, stressing that the facility should meet international standards. The governor also highlighted the need to strengthen airport security, including data protection, while improving coordination with relevant security agencies.

“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,” Otu said.

The governor also urged stakeholders to quickly address challenges affecting ongoing airport projects and ensure that they are completed within the agreed timelines. He described the meeting as the start of a long-term partnership between Cross River and FAAN.

“This will not be the end, because we are going to build a sustainable relationship,” he said, expressing confidence that cooperation in aviation, infrastructure, security and technology would improve services for passengers and visitors.

Ganduje said FAAN was ready to work with the state government to improve airport operations, passenger safety and satisfaction. He described Cross River as an attractive tourism destination and said its airport infrastructure must keep pace with the state’s growing tourism and international activities.

The FAAN chairman added that passenger traffic should be properly assessed to help the airport plan for increasing visitor numbers. He assured the state that FAAN would serve as a delivery partner in implementing agreed projects and services effectively and on schedule.