....Governor Links Airport Readiness to Cross River’s Drive for Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Growth.
The governor's call assumes wider significance for the state's investment ambitions, particularly its efforts to attract capital into energy, infrastructure, tourism, industrial development and other strategic sectors of the Cross River economy.
Governor Otu made the call on Wednesday in Calabar when the Governing Board of FAAN, led by its Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar 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 participants expected from approximately 19 African countries. The state anticipates that the conference and other related engagements could attract about 2,000 visitors.
Governor Otu said the expected increase in international passenger traffic made it necessary for FAAN and the state government to commence immediate preparations to ensure that the airport is adequately equipped to receive investors, international delegates, government officials and other high-profile visitors.
He specifically called for the activation and upgrading of the airport's VIP International Lounge to international standards, stressing the importance of providing an appropriate arrival experience for international visitors and senior dignitaries.
The governor described the airport as a strategic gateway to Cross River and a critical component of the state's efforts to deepen tourism, investment and international economic engagements.
For an emerging investment destination, reliable air connectivity is particularly important to sectors such as energy and natural resources, infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics and tourism, where investors, technical experts and project developers require efficient access to project locations and business centres.
Otu noted that the condition of the airport and the experience visitors receive upon arrival could influence how Cross River is perceived by potential investors and tourists.
The governor's emphasis on airport readiness comes as Cross River seeks to position itself as a competitive destination for investment across multiple sectors, including energy and infrastructure.
Improved transport connectivity can strengthen the investment ecosystem around energy projects by facilitating the movement of investors, financiers, technical specialists, contractors and government stakeholders.
It can also support the development of stronger regional business links as Cross River seeks to leverage its geographic position and economic relationships within the wider African market.
Governor Otu also called for improved security at the airport through closer coordination among FAAN, the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant security agencies.
He urged the aviation authority and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting ongoing airport-related projects and ensure their completion within the required timeframe.
The governor stressed that preparations for the November conference could not be delayed, given the international profile of the event and the investment opportunities it is expected to generate for Cross River State.
The FAAN Governing Board, according to reports, expressed its readiness to work with the Cross River State Government to improve airport operations, infrastructure and passenger experience.
Hypenews Reports can confirm that the collaboration is expected to be particularly significant as Cross River prepares to receive international investors and stakeholders whose interests could extend beyond tourism and hospitality to energy, infrastructure, industrial development and other emerging investment opportunities.
With the AfSNET Investment Conference expected to bring together sub-national governments, investors and business leaders from across Africa, the readiness of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport will be an important part of Cross River's investment-promotion strategy.
For Cross River, ensuring that its aviation infrastructure matches its investment ambitions could help strengthen the state's competitiveness as it seeks to attract new capital and deepen its participation in Nigeria's evolving energy and broader economic development landscape.
HYPENEWS Reports
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