Two passenger boarding bridges have arrived at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, marking a key logistical step as preparations intensify for the start of international flight operations.
The equipment was delivered to the new terminal complex on Monday afternoon after a three day journey from Onne Port in Rivers State. The bridges, described as extra long units, were transported at reduced speed due to their size. Lighter components that departed on Friday evening had arrived earlier on Saturday.
State officials were present to receive the equipment, including the Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties, Emem Bob, alongside representatives of the project contractor, VKS Construction Ltd, and members of the governors support team.
Mr Bob said the state government remained focused on meeting its operational target for the airport, with plans to have the facility ready for full use by the first week of April. He said the administration had prioritised completion of the airport as part of a wider strategy to strengthen the states aviation profile.
According to him, the airport project is being funded entirely by the Akwa Ibom State Government, with no external borrowing involved. He added that the governor had maintained consistent oversight to ensure timely delivery.
The Chairman of VKS Construction Ltd, Oliver Ebong, said the safe arrival of the boarding bridges represented significant progress on the terminal project. He expressed confidence that installation and final integration would be completed before the end of March.
Mr Ebong said the terminal was designed to operate with advanced information technology systems, stable power supply and modern security infrastructure. He noted that some of the installed equipment was being introduced to the country for the first time, which posed challenges during shipment, but all components had now arrived without incident.
Journalists were taken on a tour of the terminal to view ongoing works as installation of the new equipment gets underway.
