The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has the newly upgraded international status of Victor Attah International Airport, which will benefit not only the State but also Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
Highlighting the economic and regional gains at a world press briefing following the maiden international flight from Accra, Ghana, in Uyo, the Governor said the development would stimulate multiple sectors of the economy.
“We cannot succeed in tourism if we don’t have a functional airport, whether internationally or locally. Now, we have gone international, and through Akwa Ibom, we can travel to other countries in the sub-region without having to go out of Nigeria or overfly Nigeria to get to countries in the sub-region, as obtained before. That is one of the things the international flight has stopped immediately.”
He forecasted that “Akwa Ibom will become another Kigali, with the international conference centre that is the best in the country; people will begin to host international conferences in Uyo”.
Governor Eno expressed optimism about broader regional impact, noting plans to establish a cargo terminal and trading routes to enhance capacity across the Gulf of Guinea.
The Governor also announced the creation of a Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, with Engineer Uwem Ekanem appointed to oversee its affairs pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the airport’s designation as an international facility and commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his role in coordinating stakeholders and ensuring regulatory compliance for the take-off of international operations.
Reflecting on the airport’s evolution, Governor Eno paid tribute to former leaders, including Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel, stating that leadership is a relay of efforts culminating in the current milestone.
On aviation expansion, the Governor disclosed that Ibom Air is set to increase its fleet to ten aircraft, with an additional Airbus expected in June, alongside continued investment in human capacity development.
“So far, the State has sponsored the training of 20 pilots in Paris, including the co-pilot who manned the return flight from Accra; 20 engineers currently working at the airport; another 10 cadet pilots in training in Ethiopia; as well as three pilots and one engineer at the aviation school in Zaria.” He stated
Governor Eno declared that the State would expand training to other areas of airport operations, including handling, facility management, and maintenance.
He disclosed that at least ten critical projects are underway within the aviation ecosystem, including a second runway, apron expansion, an aviation village, perimeter fencing, a hospital, and modern security surveillance systems.
Clarifying the significance of the inaugural international flight, the Governor stated that it was a validation of the airport’s certification, with scheduled international operations to commence after completion of regulatory procedures.
On the sustainability of Ibom Air, he said the State is considering diversification, including plans to list the airline on the stock exchange for privatisation.
Looking ahead, Governor Eno noted that the alignment of key projects such as the international conference centre, ARISE Palm Resort, Mary Slessor House, Lord Lugard Amalgamation House, Bridge of No Return, and the International Market would position the State to receive global visitors.
He concluded by appreciating stakeholders across the executive, legislative, and judicial arms, as well as the aviation community, describing the achievement as a shared milestone and a turning point in the state’s development trajectory.
