The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Cross River State Government have moved to strengthen their collaboration on the development and modernisation of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar.
The development followed a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the FAAN Governing Board, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside members of the Board, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, and other senior management officials, to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
Speaking during the visit, Ganduje expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for the warm reception accorded the FAAN delegation, stressing the need for stronger cooperation between the airport authority and the state government to ensure the sustainable development of the Calabar airport and the broader aviation sector.
He noted that effective collaboration among stakeholders remained critical to improving airport infrastructure, operational efficiency and passenger experience, while positioning airports to support economic growth and investment.
Responding, Governor Otu thanked the FAAN Board Chairman, the Managing Director/CEO and members of the delegation for the visit, and presented the state government’s aviation master plan, outlining areas where the state and FAAN could deepen cooperation.
A major focus of the discussion was the ongoing upgrade of the international wing of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, which the Governor said was part of efforts to reposition the facility to meet growing aviation and passenger demands.
According to Otu, the upgrade is particularly significant ahead of the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference (AfSNET 2026), which Cross River State is scheduled to host.
Demonstrating the state government’s commitment to supporting airport operations, Governor Otu also presented a Ford Ranger pickup vehicle to the management of Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, to enhance operational activities and improve service delivery.
Following the courtesy visit, the FAAN Governing Board and management team proceeded to the airport to inspect ongoing infrastructure projects and assess areas requiring further intervention.
The delegation inspected the ongoing runway upgrade project and the newly installed 500KVA solar power system, which forms part of efforts to promote sustainable and green energy solutions at the airport.
The inspection also covered the terminal building, where the FAAN team identified areas requiring immediate upgrading, modernisation and further development to improve the overall functionality and passenger experience at the facility.
The visit underscores FAAN’s renewed commitment to working closely with state governments and other stakeholders to drive airport infrastructure development, improve operational standards, promote sustainability and deliver better services to passengers across Nigeria’s airports.