By Edem Ekpo
Cross River State has taken another major step toward economic transformation and tourism development with a new partnership with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
The move follows the state’s recent acquisition and launch of two state-of-the-art CRJ-1000 aircraft under the People-First administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
Under the partnership, Cross Riverians will benefit from comprehensive training in critical aviation fields including Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Piloting, Air Traffic Services, Technical Communication, Airport Emergency Response, and Flight Maintenance. The initiative is designed to ensure that indigenes are fully involved in the state’s fast-growing aviation sector.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, led a two-day working visit to NCAT, where he was received by the Rector and top management of the institution. The visit ended with NCAT’s firm commitment to collaborate with Cross River on pilot training, aviation workforce development, and the establishment of a South-South Zonal Training Centre in Calabar, which will position the state as a hub for aviation training in the region.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Caleb praised Governor Otu’s visionary leadership, noting that the partnership complements the government’s investments in aviation infrastructure, tourism, and economic renewal.
“The governor is determined not just to fly aircraft or grow Cally Air, but to raise a generation of Cross Riverians who can fly them, maintain them, and run a world-class aviation system. This initiative is about building capacity, creating jobs, and securing a future where our people lead in every sector,” he said.
The Rector of NCAT, Dr. Danjuma Isma’ila Adam, commended Governor Otu’s passion for development and described him as a God-fearing leader whose programs are being recognized across Nigeria. He assured that NCAT will provide technical guidance for the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding to commence training immediately.
Dr. Adam also disclosed plans to deploy instructors to Calabar and possibly send a special aircraft to convey Governor Otu to Zaria for a working visit. He emphasized the importance of training female pilots in the state, noting that if Akwa Ibom could make Ibom Air a success story, then Cally Air has the potential to become a national model.
He further assured that all NCAT training programs are recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), opening international career opportunities for participants.
The partnership is expected to boost youth empowerment, strengthen local content participation, and enhance tourism by positioning Cross River as a center of aviation excellence. It also aligns with the Bilateral Air Service Agreement recently signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which creates more opportunities for Nigerians to access advanced aviation training.
Ambassador Caleb concluded by thanking Governor Otu for his unwavering support, describing him as the driving force behind every bold step to place Cross River on the global aviation map.
With this collaboration, Cross River is set to produce world-class pilots and aviation professionals, transforming the state into a hub of innovation, opportunity, and economic growth.
