Akwa Ibom State has taken a major leap in its aviation and economic development drive as Governor Umo Eno announced the creation of a Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, alongside the successful validation of international operations at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The Governor made the twin announcements following the historic maiden round trip international flight from Uyo to Accra, Ghana, declaring that the airport has now fully justified its “international” status.
Governor Eno expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting approval for the airport’s designation as an international facility, noting that the people of the state eagerly anticipate his visit for the formal commissioning of the terminal and other landmark projects.
He also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his dedication and strategic support, particularly in coordinating aviation stakeholders and ensuring regulatory compliance leading to the successful take-off of international operations.
Tracing the evolution of the airport, Governor Eno paid tribute to past leaders, including Obong Victor Attah, who conceptualised the project; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who initiated its early construction phase; and former Governor Udom Emmanuel, whose administration established Ibom Air and delivered the international terminal. He described leadership as a relay race, with successive administrations building on each other’s efforts to achieve the milestone.
To sustain the momentum, the Governor announced the immediate establishment of a Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development to oversee the management, maintenance, and expansion of the airport ecosystem. He explained that while aviation remains under federal jurisdiction, the state has a responsibility to maintain infrastructure, enforce global standards, and develop the human capital required to drive the sector.
According to him, the new ministry will report directly to the Governor and will be headed by a commissioner to be appointed strictly on professional competence rather than political considerations. The ministry is also expected to engage international airlines and promote Uyo as a viable aviation hub, noting that Ibom Air, as a commercial operator, cannot be relied upon to attract competing carriers.
Pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner, the Managing Director of the Ibom Airport Development Company Limited, Mr Uwem Ekanem, has been directed to oversee the affairs of the ministry, working in collaboration with relevant government agencies.
Governor Eno further announced that the fleet is set to expand to ten aircraft with the arrival of an additional Airbus in June this year.
He noted that this will ensure human capacity development, reaffirming the state’s commitment to training local pilots, engineers, and personnel to meet the airport’s specific
Governor Eno revealed that no fewer than ten critical projects have been completed within the aviation ecosystem, including a second runway, apron expansion, aviation village, perimeter fencing, hospital, and modern security surveillance systems.
He clarified that the maiden international flight was not merely ceremonial but a validation and activation of the airport’s international certification, adding that scheduled international operations will commence after necessary regulatory procedures are concluded.
Reaffirming his administration’s vision, the Governor said the state is deliberately positioning itself as a tourism and investment hub, leveraging air, land, and sea connectivity. He expressed confidence that sustained international flights across West, Central, and Southern Africa will enhance Akwa Ibom’s profile as a destination of choice.
Governor Eno thanked stakeholders across the executive, legislature, judiciary, and the wider aviation community for their support, describing the milestone as a collective achievement and a defining moment in the state’s history.
