ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has underscored the strategic importance of the Victor Attah International Airport in Akwa Ibom State, describing it as a uniquely positioned transit hub in the country.
The airport officially began international operations on Saturday with its first outbound flight conveying passengers to Accra, Ghana.
Among those on the inaugural flight were the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; and other government officials.
Speaking during a short ceremony at the airport before departure, the minister explained that the facility stands out for its ability to allow seamless transfers between international-to-international, domestic-to-international, and international-to-domestic flights.
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He noted that no other airport in Nigeria currently offers this capability, adding that Akwa Ibom is steadily evolving into a Dubai-like destination due to its growing infrastructure and influence on both the region and the nation.
“This airport is not just one of those airports, not just a terminal building, but a world-class transit hub with immense impact.
“With this facility, passengers are afforded the opportunity of transferring their flights from international to international; domestic to international; and international to domestic.
“This kind of service does not exist in any sub-national anywhere in the country, but only here in this airport. This is not just the best, it is the only existing one, a pacesetter in the country,” Keyamo said.
He also pointed to the significant economic benefits and multiplier effects the airport is expected to generate for both the state and the country.
The minister further praised Governor Umo Eno for his dedication to completing the project and achieving its international status.
In his remarks, Eno credited the achievement to the foresight of past leaders.
He said, “It was indeed a relay race of impactful leadership; from Obong Victor Attah, to Chief Godswill Akpabio, to Mr Udom Emmanuel, and to me. They have individually contributed their own quotas in an exceptional way for our common good.”
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu “for his love and timely release of funds to the sub-nationals to enable them execute projects, such as the Victor Attah Int’l Airport – a world-class transit hub.”
He expressed appreciation to Keyamo for his support and commitment toward securing the airport’s international status.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, Emem Bob, lauded Eno’s vision and determination in upgrading the airport.
In separate remarks, the Managing Director of Ibom Airport Development Company, Engr. Uwem Ekanem; the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Engr. George Uriese; and the Chairman of VKS, the firm responsible for constructing the new terminal, Engr. Oliver Ebong, praised the governor for navigating challenges and driving the project to completion.