Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently upgrade facilities and improve operations at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar ahead of the 2026 African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference.
Otu made the call on Wednesday in Calabar when the Governing Board of FAAN, led by its Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, paid a courtesy visit to the governor.
The AfSNET Investment Conference is scheduled to hold in Calabar from November 12 to 14, 2026, with Cross River expecting visitors from about 19 African countries. According to Otu, the number of visitors connected to the conference and other forthcoming engagements could reach approximately 2,000.
The governor said the expected increase in passenger traffic made it necessary for FAAN and the state government to begin immediate preparations to ensure that the airport is adequately equipped to receive the expected visitors and dignitaries.
Otu specifically called for the activation and upgrading of the airport's VIP International Lounge to meet international standards and provide appropriate facilities for international visitors and high-ranking dignitaries.
He described the airport as an important gateway to Cross River, particularly as the state continues to promote tourism, investment and international engagements.
According to him, the condition of the airport and the experience of visitors upon arrival could influence how Cross River is perceived by investors and tourists.
The governor also called for improved security at the airport through closer coordination among FAAN, the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant security agencies.
He urged FAAN and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting ongoing airport-related projects and ensure that they are completed within the required timeframe, stressing that preparations for the November conference could not be delayed.
The FAAN board, according to reports, indicated its readiness to work with the Cross River State Government to improve airport operations and passenger experience.
With the state preparing to host a major international investment gathering, attention is now turning to whether the Margaret Ekpo International Airport will receive the upgrades required to effectively handle the expected influx of visitors.
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