Akwa Ibom state government said it has recorded over N2.328b as return of investment (ROI) in aviation sector within two years to increase Internally generated revenue (IGR) base of the state under Arise Agenda of pastor Umo Eno’s administration.
Speaking during the ongoing ministerial briefing at Government House, Uyo the Special Adviser to governor Umo Eno on Aviation and Airport Development Engr Uwem Ekanem said the state government has invested in the aviation sector in a bid to diversify the economy noting that aviation was necessary to drive tourism .
“Our focus is on infrastructure, connectivity, passenger traffic, employment and the commercial opportunities that these investments are creating for our State
“The Vision of His Excellency is not merely to develop an airport, but to establish aviation as a catalyst for economic transformation
“Through improved connectivity, commercial investment, tourism development and job creation, the aviation sector is positioned to become an important driver of Akwa Ibom State’s economic growth under the ARISE Agenda”.
Ekanem who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Information and his counterpart from Ministry of Finance and Supervising commissioner for the ministry of Aviation and Airport Development Mr Emem Bob explained that from May ,2023 the administration of pastor Umo Eno has advanced the State’s aviation infrastructure, brought the International Smart Terminal into operational use, supported the expansion of Ibom Air and invested in aviation skills.
He said these achievements provided a stronger foundation for tourism, trade and private investment under the ARISE Agenda of pastor Umo Eno in the state.
He said the Ibom Airport Development Company Limited (IADCL) was established in 2004 to operate the Victor Attah International Airport and subsequently airport operations commenced in December 2009.
“Building on that foundation and in a bid to provide an institutional framework, His Excellency, the Executive Governor announced the establishment of the Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development on 4 May 2026″
Ekanem noted that the profit recorded come from Ibom Air while other investments such the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) section of the aviation sector would attract more profits when completed .
He said the Victor Attah’s International Airport has
received Federal Government approval for international operations and had its inaugural international flight operated by Ibom Air to Accra, Ghana on 02 May, 2026 operating from the International Smart Terminal Building.
” Subsequently, Ibom Air commenced domestic operations from the terminal in June 2026
” This milestone expands the platform for international travel, trade and investment and strengthens the State’s regional connectivity
“For the period 2023 to September 2026, total domestic passenger traffic at Victor Attah International Airport was 1,386,060
” Total international passenger traffic for the period May, 2026 to September 2026 stands at 1,998
” As we look forward to other airlines commencing operations in the Airport, we anticipate an increase in passenger volume
“In order to improve passenger experience, this administration has invested in the development, rehabilitation and upgrading of airport infrastructure, including the International Smart Terminal, access roads, car parks, aircraft apron, taxiways, VIP lounges, perimeter fencing, security and surveillance systems, and supporting facilities”
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