The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Wednesday led a high-powered Federal Government Technical Committee on an on-the-spot inspection of facilities at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, as part of the ongoing process to upgrade the airport to full international status.
The inspection exercise, coordinated under the leadership of the Minister had a strong delegation comprising the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata; Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; Director, Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ahmed Tijani; Director of Aerodrome, NCAA, Godwin Balang, alongside other senior officials of the Ministry and relevant aviation agencies.
Also present were representatives of key stakeholders, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Aviation Security (AVSEC), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Quarantine Services, and the Nigerian Police Force.
To fast-track the inspection process, the delegation was divided into three technical groups before the commencement of the exercise, which was formally anchored by the Honourable Minister.
Each group toured designated areas of professional concern, namely the terminal building, the aerodrome and control tower, and the runway/airside facilities.
The Akwa Ibom State Government ensured a seamless and well-coordinated visit throughout the inspection.
At the conclusion of the exercise, the Minister and members of the high-level team expressed strong satisfaction with the quality, scope, and pace of work delivered by the Akwa Ibom State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.
Particular commendation was given to the airport’s design, which enables it to operate as a full aviation hub, seamlessly processing passengers from domestic to international connections.
From the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to the ultra-modern terminal infrastructure, the Victor Attah International Airport reflects world-class standards, positioning Uyo as an emerging aviation hub with significant potential for improved connectivity, increased investment, and sustained economic growth.
Speaking after the inspection, Governor Umo Eno commended the Honourable Minister for his drive and commitment towards expediting the airport’s upgrade.
He reaffirmed the readiness of the Akwa Ibom State Government to cooperate fully and work with the technical guidance of the visiting aviation stakeholders to actualise the vision of operating the first international flight from Victor Attah International Airport by 1st April 2026.
In his remarks, the Minister disclosed that a technical committee has already been constituted to ensure prompt and efficient delivery of the project.
He further directed that members of the committee should mobilise to site from the first week of January 2026 to assiduously fast-track all outstanding actions towards the successful upgrade of the airport to full international operations.