“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,” Otu said.
By Daniel Bebia
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Published on September 9, 2026
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4 min read
The Governor also placed strong emphasis on security, particularly the need to strengthen data and operational security at the airport and ensure closer coordination among FAAN, the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant security agencies.
“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,” he said.
Otu noted that the anticipated gathering of international visitors and dignitaries required a comprehensive security architecture capable of protecting passengers, visitors and critical aviation infrastructure.
Beyond security, the Governor urged FAAN and other stakeholders to address any challenges affecting ongoing airport-related projects, insisting that the State could not afford delays as preparations for the international conference gathers momentum.
“We need to look at whatever challenges we have and address them immediately,” he said. “We have to ensure that the projects are delivered within the stipulated timeframe because we are working towards a date and that date cannot be shifted for us.”
He stressed that the engagement with FAAN should not be regarded as a one-off meeting, but as the foundation for a sustained institutional partnership that would continue beyond the AfSNET conference.
“This will not be the end, because we are going to build a sustainable relationship,” Otu declared. “We want to work with FAAN in a way that will ensure that Cross River’s aviation infrastructure continues to improve and that passengers and visitors have a better experience.”
The Governor said the State was open to deeper collaboration with FAAN in the areas of aviation infrastructure, passenger services, security, technology and operational efficiency.
He expressed confidence that a stronger partnership would not only support the successful hosting of AfSNET 2026 but also contribute to the long-term growth of tourism, trade and investment in the State.
“Our interest is to make sure that anybody who comes into Cross River through the airport has a good experience,” he said. “If we are serious about tourism and investment, then our airport must be able to support those ambitions.”
Otu further said the State’s expanding economic activities and its renewed focus on tourism and investment required an aviation system capable of responding to emerging opportunities.
He therefore urged FAAN to see the development of the airport as a shared responsibility and to work closely with the State Government in identifying and resolving operational challenges.
“We want FAAN to see Cross River as a partner,” the Governor said. “We are ready to support whatever is required within our own areas of responsibility to make sure that the airport functions efficiently.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the FAAN Governing Board and former Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, who was on a facility tour in the state, assured the Governor of the authority’s readiness to collaborate with the Cross River State Government to improve airport operations and passenger experience.
Ganduje said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between FAAN and the State Government and exploring areas where both institutions could work together to improve aviation services in Cross River.
He described Cross River as one of Africa’s most beautiful and clean destinations, noting that its growing tourism profile made an efficient airport indispensable to its development ambitions.
“Cross River is one of the most beautiful and cleanest destinations in Africa,” Ganduje said. “If the State is attracting tourists, investors and international visitors, then the airport facilities must also be improved to support that development.”
