…..Promises to Position VAIA for Full Operational Impact
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced the creation of a full-fledged Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development to drive aviation policy, airport infrastructure, strategic planning and sectoral growth in the state.
The new ministry will oversee the development and operations of Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, with a mandate to ensure that the airport’s newly attained international status is fully utilised for economic, commercial and regional connectivity benefits.
Governor Eno made the announcement on Sunday, May 3, 2026, shortly after arriving at Victor Attah International Airport from Accra, Ghana.
He directed the Managing Director of Ibom Airport Development Company, Engr. Uwem Ekanem, to take immediate charge of the new ministry pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner.
According to the Governor, the ministry will work to deepen patronage of Victor Attah International Airport, strengthen aviation-related services, and build a robust aviation ecosystem that will position Akwa Ibom as a major aviation hub.
Speaking on the airport’s new international status, Governor Eno said the successful flight from Uyo to Accra and back had validated years of planning, investment and regulatory effort.
“Today, after all the hard work put into the realisation of this moment, here we are, finally back on an international flight from Accra, landing in Uyo for the first time in the history of this airport. The prefix ‘International’ has finally been validated,” the Governor said.
He added that the State Government had invested substantially to make the airport terminal a facility of pride for Akwa Ibom people.
“We have spared no expense to make this terminal a true marvel of beauty to behold, and we should all be very proud of ourselves as a people,” he said.
The Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin Dr Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Senator Ekong Sampson commended Governor Eno for the milestone, describing it as a significant step in the state’s aviation and economic development.
