Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Tuesday witnessed a major milestone in Nigeria’s aviation development as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led a high-powered Federal Government technical committee on an on-the-spot inspection of facilities at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The visit forms part of the ongoing process to upgrade the airport to full international operational status.
The inspection exercise, personally coordinated and anchored by the Minister, brought together a strong delegation of top aviation regulators and senior officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The team included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata; the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; the Director of Air Transport Management, Ahmed Tijani; and the Director of Aerodromes at the NCAA, Engr. Godwin Balang, alongside other senior technical officers.
Also participating in the inspection were representatives of key aviation and security stakeholders whose roles are critical to international flight operations.
These included officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), Quarantine Services and the Nigerian Police Force.
To ensure efficiency and thoroughness, the high-level delegation was divided into three technical groups at the commencement of the exercise.
Each group was assigned specific areas of professional focus, including the terminal building, the aerodrome and control tower, and the runway and other airside facilities.
The inspection was carried out seamlessly, with the Akwa Ibom State Government providing robust logistical support and coordination throughout the exercise.
At the conclusion of the inspection, the Minister and members of the Federal Government team expressed strong satisfaction with the quality, scope and pace of work executed by the Akwa Ibom State Government under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D.
Particular commendation was given to the airport’s architectural and operational design, which allows it to function as a full aviation hub capable of seamlessly processing passengers from domestic to international connections.
The team also took note of the airport’s world-class infrastructure, including the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and the ultra-modern terminal complex.
These features, they observed, position Victor Attah International Airport as a strategic aviation hub with the potential to significantly boost regional and international connectivity, attract investment and drive sustainable economic growth for Akwa Ibom State and the wider South-South region.
Speaking after the inspection, Governor Umo Eno praised the Minister for his leadership, commitment and determination to fast-track the airport’s upgrade.
He reaffirmed the readiness of the Akwa Ibom State Government to work closely with the Federal Government and relevant aviation agencies, pledging full cooperation with the technical guidance provided by the inspection team.
The Governor expressed optimism that the state is on course to operate its first international flight from Victor Attah International Airport by 1 April 2026.
In his remarks, Minister Keyamo disclosed that a dedicated technical committee has already been constituted to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of all outstanding requirements for the airport’s upgrade.
He directed members of the committee to mobilise to site from the first week of January 2026 and to work assiduously towards ensuring the successful commencement of full international operations at the airport.
The inspection, stakeholders noted, underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to expand Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, improve service delivery and strengthen the country’s position as a key air transport hub in West Africa.
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