Otu Seeks Ganduje’s Support to Fast-Track Airport Upgrade Ahead of 2026 AfSNET Conference

Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has appealed to the Governing Board Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to support the speedy rehabilitation and upgrade of Margaret Ekpo International Airport ahead of the 2026 African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference (AfSNET).

Otu made the appeal on Wednesday in Calabar when Ganduje led members of the FAAN Governing Board and management on a courtesy visit to the governor. The delegation was in the state to inspect ongoing upgrade works at the airport.

Ganduje was accompanied by FAAN Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, alongside other members of the board and management team.

The governor stressed the importance of completing the airport’s rehabilitation on schedule, noting that improved facilities would be critical to accommodating increased passenger traffic and international delegates expected for the AfSNET 2026 conference.

Responding, Ganduje assured the governor that FAAN was committed to completing the ongoing works within the stipulated timeframe.

“That is why we are here. We are ready to collaborate with you. We are inspecting facilities at the airport so as to ensure their quality,” Ganduje said.

“We also want to assure you that the ongoing work at the airport will be completed within the stipulated time.”

The rehabilitation project includes runway works, installation of a new 500KVA solar power system, terminal improvements and other modern infrastructure aimed at enhancing airport operations and passenger experience.

The visit, according to a statement by Ganduje’s Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, underscored FAAN’s commitment to sustainable airport infrastructure and stronger partnerships with stakeholders.

The sixth AfSNET Investment Conference, an initiative of Afreximbank, will be hosted by the Cross River State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

The three-day event in Calabar will bring together sub-sovereign governments, investors, financial institutions, businesses and development partners to promote trade, attract investment, accelerate industrialisation and strengthen regional value chains across Africa.

LADAN NASIDI