In a bold move to reposition the eastern region of Nigeria as a competitive force in the African aviation sector, Cross River State has officially joined Akwa Ibom and Enugu states in forming a strategic Eastern Aviation Bloc. The regional alliance aims to harness the untapped potential of Nigeria’s growing airline and air cargo economy, while also expanding regional connectivity across the continent.
The announcement, made during a regional aviation development forum in Calabar, marks a significant shift in the way southeastern and south-south states are approaching infrastructure development and economic planning through aviation.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, who led the state’s delegation at the event, said the move is designed to reposition Calabar as a major player in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
“We cannot afford to operate in silos while the aviation economy of West Africa is expanding,” Governor Otu stated. “Cross River is aligning with Akwa Ibom and Enugu to build a shared future of prosperity through the skies. This bloc is our runway to a regional transformation.”
A History of Missed Opportunities
For decades, the eastern region’s aviation infrastructure remained underutilized despite the area’s commercial vitality and large traveling population. Lagos and Abuja dominated Nigeria’s air traffic, leaving airports in Uyo, Calabar, and Enugu to operate below capacity and outside key commercial routes.
That narrative began to shift in 2019 when Akwa Ibom State launched Ibom Air — the country’s only state-owned commercial airline. The airline quickly gained national prominence for its punctuality, efficiency, and service quality, putting Uyo on the aviation map and proving that sub-national governments could actively participate in the sector.
Enugu State followed suit with significant investments to revamp the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, improving its capacity for both domestic and international flights. With the growing momentum, conversations began in 2024 about a formal alliance between the three states, focused on policy coordination, infrastructure synergy, and regional aviation planning.
Calabar’s Strategic Reentry
Calabar’s inclusion in the bloc is viewed as a long-overdue development. Once a hub for tourism and air travel in the early 2000s, the city’s aviation footprint declined due to underinvestment and a lack of strategic vision. Governor Otu’s administration is seeking to reverse that trend.
Recent efforts include a rebranding of the Margaret Ekpo International Airport as a destination for tourism, agro-export, and regional business travel. The state is also in talks with investors to develop a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to serve the region’s aviation needs.
Industry stakeholders see Calabar’s participation as a natural step in creating a functional eastern air corridor, connecting Uyo, Enugu, and Calabar with other African cities and emerging markets.
Beyond Passenger Flights: A Regional Aviation Economy
The Eastern Aviation Bloc isn’t solely about increasing flight frequencies. The three-state alliance is building a comprehensive aviation ecosystem that includes logistics, pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and air cargo consolidation. According to sources familiar with the bloc’s discussions, the states are targeting partnerships with major African airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and RwandAir to expand their regional footprints.
Plans are also underway to engage the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to explore regional air liberalization agreements. This would pave the way for seamless routes from Calabar to Libreville, Uyo to Douala, and Enugu to Brazzaville.
“What we’re witnessing is the emergence of a coordinated aviation region that could compete with existing hubs like Lagos,” said Ikechi Uko, aviation analyst and convener of the Chinet Aviacargo Conference. “This is a proactive response to the evolving dynamics of aviation in Africa.”
Outlook and Next Steps
The Eastern Aviation Bloc is expected to unveil a joint Aviation Masterplan during the upcoming Chinet 2025 Conference, where key stakeholders and international investors will be in attendance. The plan is anticipated to include a shared roadmap for route development, regulatory alignment, cargo handling infrastructure, and training programs.
This development could be a model for other regions in Nigeria looking to tap into the $100 billion African aviation industry. With the combined assets of Calabar’s tourism appeal, Enugu’s strategic location, and Akwa Ibom’s operating airline, the bloc appears well-positioned to redefine Nigeria’s regional aviation landscape.
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