BY SOLOMON OKPO
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the Victor Attah International Airport as a pace setter in Nigeria’s aviation sector, following the successful launch of its maiden international flight to Ghana.
Speaking on Saturday, May 2, 2026, during a ceremony to mark the commencement of international operations at the airport in Uyo, the minister said the facility stands out as a uniquely positioned transit hub with capabilities unmatched by any sub-national airport in the country.
Keyamo noted that the airport offers seamless connectivity across international and domestic routes, allowing passengers to transfer from international-to-international, domestic-to-international, and vice versa, services he said are not available in any other state-owned airport in Nigeria.
“This airport is not just a terminal building but a world-class transit hub with immense impact,” he stated, adding that its operational model places it ahead of others in the nation’s aviation landscape.
The minister further commended the infrastructural strides of Akwa Ibom State, likening its development trajectory to that of Dubai, citing the transformative impact of ongoing projects on both the state and the wider Nigerian economy.
He praised Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to completing the airport project and actualising its international status, noting that the development would yield significant economic benefits.
In his remarks, Governor Eno attributed the airport’s success to the collective efforts of past administrations, describing the achievement as a product of sustained visionary leadership.
“It was indeed a relay race of impactful leadership, from Obong Victor Attah, to Chief Godswill Akpabio, to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and to me,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of his predecessors.
The governor also expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting sub-national infrastructure development through timely release of funds, which he said facilitated the completion of the airport upgrade.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emem Bob, lauded the governor’s determination in upgrading the airport, while key stakeholders in the aviation and construction sectors commended the administration for overcoming challenges to deliver a world-class facility.
The event attracted top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; and other members of the State Executive Council, alongside political leaders, clergy, and stakeholders.
© The Evangelist News
