FAAN Board Chairman Leads Visit to Cross River Governor, Inspects Airport Upgrade
Oru Leonard
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has led members of the Board and the Authority’s management on a courtesy visit to the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
The delegation, which included FAAN Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, and other senior management officials, visited the Governor as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between FAAN and the Cross River State Government on the development of the aviation sector.
Speaking during the visit, Ganduje expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for the warm reception and stressed the need for sustained cooperation towards the development of Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, and the wider aviation industry.
In his response, Governor Otu thanked the FAAN delegation and presented the state government’s aviation master plan, highlighting areas of potential collaboration, particularly the ongoing upgrade of the international wing of Margaret Ekpo International Airport.
According to the Governor, the airport upgrade is intended to position the facility to meet the anticipated demands of the forthcoming 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference (AfSNET 2026), which Cross River State is scheduled to host.
As part of the state government’s support for airport operations, Otu also presented a Ford Ranger pickup vehicle to the management team of Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, to strengthen operational activities and improve service delivery.
Following the courtesy visit, the FAAN Board and management inspected ongoing infrastructure projects at the airport.
The inspection covered the ongoing runway upgrade project and a newly installed 500KVA solar power system, highlighting efforts to promote sustainable and green energy solutions at the airport.
The delegation also inspected the terminal building and identified areas requiring immediate upgrade, modernisation and further development.
The visit underscores FAAN’s commitment to working with state governments and other stakeholders to improve airport infrastructure, operational efficiency, sustainability and passenger experience across the country.
