A’Ibom airport’s international status will boost regional connectivity - Eno

The Punch highlights a significant achievement for Akwa Ibom State as its Victor Attah International Airport successfully completed its maiden international flight to Ghana. This milestone, according to Governor Umo Eno, is set to revolutionize regional connectivity within the West African sub-region, alleviating the previous necessity for travelers to depart Nigeria to access neighboring countries.

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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 to 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.

Governor Eno emphasized that the airport's new international status is crucial for the state's tourism ambitions. He envisions Uyo becoming a major destination for international conferences, drawing parallels with Kigali, Rwanda, and highlighting the state's already impressive international conference center. The governor also pointed out the immediate impact of the international flight, stating it has already stopped the previous inconvenience of overflying Nigeria to reach other West African nations.

Beyond tourism, the state is strategically positioning itself for economic growth. Plans are underway to establish a cargo terminal and develop trading routes, further enhancing economic activities within the Gulf of Guinea region. To underscore the commitment to aviation development, Governor Eno announced the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, with the current Managing Director of the Ibom Airport Development Company Limited appointed to oversee its affairs.

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Akwa Ibom will become another Kigali, with the international conference centre that is the best in the country yet; people will begin to have international conferences in Uyo.

The governor extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the airport's international designation and to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his role in coordinating stakeholders and ensuring regulatory compliance. This development marks a new era for Akwa Ibom, promising increased economic opportunities and improved accessibility for both residents and international visitors.

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I have directed the creation of the Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, and Engr Uwem Ekanem will oversee the affairs of the ministry pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner.