Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the Victor Attah International Airport as a pacesetter and uniquely positioned transit hub within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The minister made the remarks during a ceremony marking the commencement of international operations at the airport, with a maiden flight from Uyo to Ghana.
He noted that Akwa Ibom State is gradually emerging as a major economic destination, driven by significant infrastructural development and its growing impact on the region and the country.
“This airport is not just one of those airports, not just a terminal building, but a world-class transit hub with immense impact.
“With this facility, passengers are afforded the opportunity of transferring their flights from international to international; domestic to international; and international to domestic,” he explained.
According to the minister, “This kind of service does not exist in any sub-national anywhere in the country but only here in this airport. This is not just the best; it is the only existing one, a pacesetter in the country.”
He acknowledged the economic impact and ripple effects of the airport on the state and the country, describing them as massive and far-reaching.
The minister commended Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to completing the project and achieving its international status.
In his remarks, Governor Eno attributed the success of the airport’s transformation to the collective efforts of past administrations.
He said, “It was indeed a relay race of impactful leadership, from Victor Attah to Godswill Akpabio to Udom Emmanuel and to me. They have individually contributed their quotas in an exceptional way for our common good.”
The governor also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu “for his love and timely release of funds to the sub-nationals to enable them to execute projects such as the Victor Attah International Airport, a world-class transit hub.”
He further appreciated Minister Keyamo for his support and commitment towards the realisation of the airport’s international status.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, Emem Bob, thanked the governor for his foresight and determination in upgrading the airport.
Other stakeholders, including the Managing Director of Ibom Airport Development Company, Uwem Ekanem; the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriese; and the Chairman of VKS, Oliver Ebong, commended the governor for overcoming challenges and driving the project to completion.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Helen Eno Obareki; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political stakeholders; clergy; and other dignitaries.
The inauguration of international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport highlights the increasing importance of sub-national infrastructure development in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
With improved connectivity and enhanced passenger movement, the facility is expected to contribute significantly to economic growth, regional integration, and the expansion of Nigeria’s presence within the West African aviation corridor.
