Akwa Ibom has expressed satisfaction over the quality of facilities at the Victor Attah International Airport ahead of the commencement of international flight operations in April.
The airport has received the backing of the Federal Government to commence international flights from April this year.
This approval was conveyed by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation when he inspected facilities at the airport which first began operations in 2019 and is equipped with facilities for Maintenance, Overhaul and Repair of aircraft.
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Speaking after undertaking another round of inspection at the airport, Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the airport, noting that the current level of progress had given confidence that the April timeline for international operations will be achieved.
Uwah who is Chairman of the Committee overseeing the commencement of international operations, explained that the inspection became imperative to “assess readiness across key operational areas, identify infrastructure gaps, and ensure timely interventions to guarantee a seamless take-off of international flights.”
He assured that the Committee would maintain continuous oversight through periodic inspections until all components of the project are fully completed.
The SSG commended contractors handling various aspects of the project, including VKS, Premium Construction Company and others, for the speed and quality of work delivered so far, while urging them to intensify efforts to meet set deadlines.
Addressing the Committee during the inspection, Oliver Ebong of VKS, the firm handling the international terminal, highlighted areas requiring urgent attention to ensure full completion of the facility and assured that work on the terminal would be concluded by the end of March.
Governor Umo Eno inaugurated the Committee following a technical assessment visit to the airport by a Federal Government team led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo to commence the process of giving effect to the international operations at the airport.
Other members of the Committee, who participated in the inspection, included. Uko Udom, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties; Uwem Ekanem, Managing Director of the Airport Development Authority; George Uriesi, Managing Director of Ibom Air; Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties; and Uwem Andrew Essien, the Accountant-General.
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In addition to the international flight operations, Akwa Ibom is making strident efforts towards the actualisation of its Ibom deepsea port project to reposition the state as a commercial and economic hub in the region coupled with its quality road network.
