Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has sought a stronger partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to enhance flight efficiency, upgrade airport facilities, and improve passenger experience ahead of the 2026 Africa Food Systems Network (AFSNET) activities.
Otu made the call when the Governing Board of FAAN, led by its Chairman, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, paid him a courtesy visit in Calabar, the state Capital.
According to the governor, the visit was strategically important to the state, particularly as Cross River prepares to receive a large number of visitors from Africa and the diaspora.
Otu disclosed that visitors from about 19 African countries were expected in the state, with approximately 2,000 guests anticipated in connection with the forthcoming activities and the visit of the President.
He therefore called for the immediate scaling up of airport facilities and operations to accommodate the expected increase in passenger traffic and visiting dignitaries.
The governor specifically urged FAAN to activate and upgrade the VIP International Lounge, stressing the need for adequate facilities to meet international standards.
Otu also emphasised the importance of security, particularly data security and collaboration with relevant security agencies.
He said, “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.”
The governor urged stakeholders to address challenges affecting ongoing projects promptly, stressing the need to complete them within the stipulated timeframe.
He described the engagement as the beginning of a sustainable relationship between the state government and FAAN, saying, “This will not be the end, because we are going to build a sustainable relationship.”
Otu expressed optimism that continued collaboration in aviation, infrastructure, security and technology would improve service delivery and the experience of passengers and visitors to the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the FAAN Governing Board, Dr. Umar Ganduje, said the authority was committed to collaborating with the state government to improve airport operations, passenger safety and satisfaction.
Ganduje described Cross River as one of the beautiful and cleanest destinations in Africa, stressing that its airport facilities must be improved to support the state’s growing tourism and international activities.
He said passenger traffic should be properly assessed to enable the airport to effectively manage the increasing number of visitors arriving by air.
According to him, “Passenger safety and satisfaction are key areas of collaboration” needed to ensure that the airport meets international standards.
Ganduje assured the state government that FAAN would work as a delivery partner to ensure that agreed projects and services were implemented effectively and on schedule.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between FAAN, the state government and other stakeholders would improve flight efficiency and strengthen the airport’s capacity to serve Cross River and its visitors.
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