NIGERIA, UYO – Akwa Ibom State has secured Federal Government approval for full international operations at Victor Attah International Airport, following a strategic meeting between Governor Umo Eno and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
Ekerette Udoh, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, said the approval places the airport among Nigerian facilities authorised to handle global traffic, a move he described as “a decisive step toward expanding the state’s economic frontiers.”
Officials said the facility can now process international airlines and operate cross-border flights, positioning Uyo as a direct gateway to Africa and other global destinations. They confirmed that international services will resume fully in the first quarter of 2026.
Udoh explained that the Governor’s sustained engagement with federal authorities played a central role in securing the approval. He quoted Governor Eno as saying the development “opens new opportunities for business, tourism, and foreign investment.”
He added that the Governor emphasised the ethical duty of leaders to pursue decisions that prioritise citizens’ long-term benefits. According to Udoh, the Governor stressed that public office holders must “act in ways that multiply value for the largest number of people.”
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Aviation Ministry officials also noted that the upgrade aligns with national economic objectives. They said the airport’s expanded role would ease regional travel and support Nigeria’s broader aviation competitiveness.
Observers believe the international status will further strengthen Akwa Ibom’s aspiration to become a regional aviation hub. They link the progress to the state’s investments in infrastructure, including the state-owned airline, Ibom Air.
Stakeholders in the tourism and business sectors welcomed the approval, describing it as a “game-changer” that could boost arrivals, raise investor confidence, and create new jobs. They urged the state to maintain high operational and regulatory standards.
Udoh said the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring citizens benefit from every policy milestone. He stated that the administration remains focused on “building sustainable pathways that secure Akwa Ibom’s future.”