Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has applauded the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Board of Ibom Airport Development Company for ensuring the full restoration of night flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
Govenor Eno said; “I am pleased to announce that night flight operations have been fully restored at Victor Attah International Airport. Last week, I directed the Ibom Airport Development Company to complete the overhaul of navigational aids and lighting systems by September 30, and I am glad to report that the deadline was met.”
The development follows the ultimatum issued by Governor Eno during the State’s 28th Anniversary banquet, where he directed that the airport’s airfield lighting system be restored by September 30, 2025, after the government fulfilled its obligations.
He said; “I commend the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the MD/CEO, and the Board of the Airport Company for their dedication.
With this milestone, our flagship Ibom Air and other airlines can now operate seamlessly, day and night,” Governor Eno said.
With the successful calibration and overhaul of navigational aids and lighting systems, the sunrise-to-sunset restrictions previously imposed on the airport have now been lifted, and night flight operations at the airport have been restored with immediate effect.
The Governor expressed appreciation for the collaboration that made the restoration possible, noting specifically the role of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency .
He assured the Agency that the government would sustain investment in the state’s aviation sector, especially the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and the international terminal, to strengthen air connectivity and position Akwa Ibom as a hub.
He said; “Government will continue to inject funds to ensure that our MRO, the international terminal, and all other ongoing projects within the aviation ecosystem become operational as the Yuletide season dawns.”
“This development has been tied to Akwa Ibom’s wider vision of tourism-led growth under the Arise Agenda, with the planned commissioning of the Arise Resorts, easily the best family-themed resort in the nation, billed for December this year, and other ongoing works within the tourism sector.
“This is another bold step in making Akwa Ibom the nation’s tourism hub, as we prepare for the commissioning of the ARISE Resorts and other ongoing projects in our aviation and tourism sectors,” the Governor explained.
The move further underscored the State’s commitment to diversifying its economy and building sustainability beyond oil as
He said; “Akwa Ibom indeed is being primed as the tourism haven of our nation and a future with or without oil.”
The restoration of night flight operations will boost economic activities by ensuring unhindered flight operations by the state flagship airline, Ibom Air and other airlines for tourists and other visitors.