About 2,000 delegates from 19 African countries and the Caribbean are expected in Calabar, Cross River State, for the sixth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference scheduled for November 12-14, 2026.
The expected influx of international visitors has prompted the Cross River State Government to seek closer collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve operations and passenger handling at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport.
Governor Bassey Otu made the call yesterday when the governing board of FAAN, led by its Chairman and former Kano State governor, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, visited him in Calabar.
Otu said the anticipated increase in passenger traffic required the airport to be adequately prepared for the conference and other major engagements expected in the state.
‘We are expecting people from about 19 African countries, and we are looking at almost 2,000 people coming into Cross River,’ the governor said.
He urged FAAN to upgrade facilities at the airport, particularly the VIP International Lounge, to enable it handle international visitors and dignitaries.
The governor also called for improved security and coordination between FAAN, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies responsible for the airport.
He said delays in ongoing airport-related projects should be addressed ahead of the conference, noting that the November date could not be shifted.
Beyond the conference, Otu said the state wanted a sustained partnership with FAAN in aviation infrastructure, passenger services, security, technology and operational efficiency.
He said an efficient airport was important to the state’s tourism and investment ambitions, as the facility serves as a major entry point for visitors and potential investors.
Responding, Ganduje said FAAN was ready to collaborate with the state government to improve airport operations and passenger experience.
He said Cross River’s growing tourism profile made efficient aviation infrastructure necessary to support the movement of tourists, investors and other visitors.
The AfSNET Investment Conference is expected to bring together sub-national governments, investors and other stakeholders from Africa and the Caribbean for discussions around investment and economic cooperation.