Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has inaugurated the Planning Committee for the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference 2026. The ceremony, held on Thursday at the State Executive Council Chambers, Calabar, officially kick-starts the State’s preparations to host the prestigious Afreximbank-led investment and development conference.
The Committee is tasked with steering Cross River’s engagement with AfSNET, an influential platform that promotes intra-African trade, investment partnerships, and economic cooperation among sub-national governments across the continent. With this development, Cross River becomes only the second sub-sovereign government in Nigeria to host the conference since its inception.
Governor Otu described the inauguration as timely and strategic, noting that hosting AfSNET 2026 presents a unique opportunity for the state to showcase its economic assets and its growing reputation as a regional hub for trade, industry, and innovation. He emphasized that the committee’s membership was carefully selected on the basis of merit, competence, and a strong record of public service. According to him, the individuals appointed have demonstrated the experience and expertise required to deliver an exceptional outcome for the state. He added that the conference offers a rare window for Cross River to project its progress, investment readiness, and development potential to Africa and the global community.
The Governor highlighted the significance of the 2026 edition, recalling that Abuja hosted the second AfSNET conference in 2022, while Cross River will host the sixth edition in 2026, a milestone he described as a remarkable achievement for the state.
He charged the committee to immediately commence preparations, urging members to explore investment opportunities across critical sectors, including the green and marine economy, the creative industry, transportation, science, technology, and innovation. He stressed that all projects with investment potential must be positioned for global visibility and partnership.
Governor Otu further encouraged the committee to establish subcommittees where necessary to ensure seamless coordination and execution. He assured them of his administration’s full support, stating that his office, as the chief host of AfSNET 2026, remains open to inputs, observations and solutions that would strengthen the State’s preparations. He expressed confidence in the committee’s capacity to deliver a world-class conference capable of transforming the economic landscape of Cross River State and deepening its integration within Africa’s investment ecosystem.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, Chairman Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in the team. He commended the quality and experience of the members, noting that each person brings valuable expertise to the assignment. Prof. Nyong said he was deeply impressed with the calibre of personalities on the committee, adding that no member lacks the exposure or capacity to contribute meaningfully to the task ahead. He pledged the committee’s commitment to building on the progress already made by the administration and aligning their work to ensure a successful hosting of AfSNET 2026.
Members of the Committee include Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong (Chairman), Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, Barr. Nella Andem Ewa, Sir David Abang, Bikom John Owan, Rev. Victor Edet, all members, while Mrs. Martina Udom, serves as Secretary.
