By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist News Desk
Akwa Ibom State is positioning its aviation and maritime sectors as major drivers of economic growth, with ongoing investments in airport infrastructure, tourism facilities and the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport expected to attract investors, create jobs and expand commercial opportunities.
The state government disclosed this during a ministerial briefing featuring the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport and the newly established Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, where officials outlined progress on projects under the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
Speaking at the briefing, Hon. Aniekan Umanah said the two ministries played complementary roles in advancing infrastructure development and improving the state’s economic prospects.
He noted that the briefing provided an opportunity to assess progress in strategic sectors considered important to the state’s long-term development.
Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Hon. Emem Bob, explained that the ministry was responsible for coordinating and supervising strategic and flagship projects designed to strengthen the state’s economic base and position it as an attractive destination for investment.
One of the major developments highlighted was the smart terminal at Victor Attah International Airport, which has commenced international passenger operations.
The terminal, covering approximately 27,173 square metres, features three levels, five boarding bridges, self-check-in facilities and dedicated international passenger-processing areas, with a projected annual capacity of three million passengers.
According to him , the airport recorded its maiden international flight to Accra, Ghana, in May 2026, while regular international operations commenced in June.
Since the commencement of international passenger services, a total of 1,998 passengers have reportedly travelled to and from Accra, with Ibom Air currently operating two weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays.
The government is also engaging other airlines to expand flight options and increase passenger traffic, while Air Peace has been scheduled to commence domestic operations on October 23, 2026.
Beyond the terminal, supporting infrastructure developed also included an access road, drainage facilities, aircraft parking stands, apron development, airfield lighting and a high-security operational fence.
The state is also exploring the commencement of operations at the maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at the airport, with Airbus having inspected the proposed facility and provided requirements for its adaptation.
Bob explained that the government was considering the recommendations while seeking an operator for the facility, which could strengthen aviation services and create additional employment opportunities.
The administration is equally investing in aviation-related human capital, with participants enrolled in a cadet pilot scheme and engineers undergoing training in Ethiopia.
In addition to aviation, the Ministry of Special Duties highlighted projects intended to strengthen tourism, hospitality, commerce and the state’s capacity to host major international events.
Among them is the Ibom International Convention Centre, which covers approximately 63,549 square metres and includes a conference hall, multipurpose hall, amphitheatre, meeting rooms and parking facilities, with capacity for about 5,000 people.
The Ibom International Hotel, an 18-floor facility with 220 rooms, is another project expected to support the state’s hospitality industry, with a management firm already appointed.
The government also highlighted Arise Shopping City, a retail and commercial development covering approximately 13,418 square metres on an 8.01-hectare site, designed to attract major brands and expand commercial activity.
Other projects include supporting infrastructure around the Tropicana area, the construction of the Court of Appeal and several facilities being supervised by the ministry on behalf of other government institutions.
On the maritime front, the commissioner disclosed that the master plan and site-specific feasibility studies for the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City Free Trade Zone had been completed.
He added that the project’s full business case had received approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Federal Executive Council, while the process of sourcing preferred bidders was ongoing.
The proposed seaport is expected to strengthen the state’s position in maritime trade and industrial development, although its wider economic impact will depend on the successful completion, operation and commercial utilisation of the project.
The Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, established in May 2026, is responsible for coordinating airport development, maintenance, route expansion, commercial activities, aviation investment and workforce development.
Also speaking , Mr. Uwem Ekanem, Special Adviser on Aviation and Airport Development, said the vision of Governor Umo Eno’s administration extended beyond infrastructure development to positioning aviation as a catalyst for economic transformation.
He explained that improved connectivity, commercial investment, tourismk development and job creation were central to the role aviation was expected to play in driving economic growth under the ARISE Agenda.
Ekanem added that since May 2023, the administration had advanced aviation infrastructure, opened the international smart terminal for operational use and supported employment opportunities and investment in aviation skills.
He noted that these developments provided a stronger foundation for tourism, trade and non-oil investment in Akwa Ibom State.
The ministry is also pursuing measures to improve the airport’s financial sustainability, including the expansion of commercial services such as restaurants, cafés, retail outlets, lounges and advertising, alongside plans to upgrade and automate the power substation to reduce operating costs.
While the projects represent significant investments in the state’s infrastructure, their lasting impact will ultimately depend on effective management, increased passenger and commercial traffic, private-sector participation and the ability to translate completed infrastructure into sustainable economic opportunities for the people of Akwa Ibom State.
