Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has announced the creation of a new Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s growing aviation sector.
The Governor made the announcement while outlining his administration’s commitment to consolidating recent gains in airport development, airline operations and aviation-related infrastructure in the state.
Governor Eno said the new ministry would provide focused supervision, policy direction and institutional support for the state’s aviation assets, including the Victor Attah International Airport and other related facilities.
According to him, the ministry will be headed by a competent aviation professional who will be appointed as Commissioner after due consideration.
“I will search for a competent aviation professional for appointment as Commissioner,” Governor Eno said.
He also directed the Head of Service to immediately post a Permanent Secretary to the new ministry to support its administrative take-off.
In the interim, the Managing Director of Ibom Air has been directed to oversee the affairs of the ministry pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner.
The development comes as Akwa Ibom continues to expand its aviation footprint through Ibom Air, the smart terminal at Victor Attah International Airport, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities, cargo infrastructure and ongoing efforts to position the state as a major aviation hub in the Gulf of Guinea.
The creation of the ministry is expected to deepen coordination across aviation agencies and projects, improve regulatory engagement, strengthen service delivery and support the state’s ambition to become a regional centre for air transport, tourism, logistics and commerce.
