Gov Eno Creates Aviation Ministry, Shops For Commissioner

With the launch of international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA),Uyo,  Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno, has declared the aviation business as the major driver of alternative revenue away from crude oil.

This followed the successful test-run of international flight operations to and from Ghana over the weekend, after which he said it would not only be beneficial to the state, but Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea region.

However, in readiness for the massive investment in the aviation sector, the governor announced the creation of an Aviation Ministry and  named Engr. Uwem Ekanem, the managing director (MD), Ibom Airport Development Company Limited (IADCL), to, in the interim, run the ministry until he appoints a substantive commissioner.

“We cannot succeed in tourism if we don’t have a functional airport whether internationally or locally. Now, we have gone international, and through Akwa Ibom, we can travel to other countries in the sub – region without having to go out of Nigeria to overfly Nigeria to get to countries in the sub-region as obtained before.

“That is one of the things the international flight has stopped immediately.

“Akwa Ibom will become another Kigali, with the international conference centre that is the best in the country. People will begin to have international conferences in Uyo,” he added.

He expressed hope that the benefit for the Gulf of Guinea will be enormous, adding that the State was also planning to add the Cargo Terminal, a trading route, that would also enhance the capacity.

He, therefore, appreciated President Bola Tinubu, for granting approval for the airport’s designation as an international facility, and also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his dedication and strategic support, particularly in coordinating aviation stakeholders and ensuring regulatory compliance leading to the successful take-off of international operations.

Tracing the evolution of the airport, Governor Eno paid glowing tribute to past leaders,  Obong Victor Attah, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Mr Udom Emmanuel for their respective contributions to the current status of the airport.

To strengthen the sector, the governor disclosed that the state- owned Ibom Air, was set to expand its fleet to 10 aircrafts with the expected arrival of an additional Airbus in June, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to training indigenous pilots, engineers, and personnel to meet the airport’s specific demands.

He stated that so far, the state has sponsored the training of 20 pilots in Paris,  including the co-pilot who manned the return flight from Accra,  20 engineers currently working in the airport, with another 10 cadet pilots in training in Ethiopia, as well as three pilots and one engineer in the Aviation School in Zaria.

The governor said beyond pilots and engineers, the State was going to train others in airport handling, and facility management for the cleaning of the airport, and general maintenance.

Governor Eno revealed that no fewer than 10 critical projects are being constructed and completed within the aviation ecosystem, including a second runway, apron expansion, aviation village, perimeter fencing, hospital, and modern security surveillance systems.

He clarified that the maiden international flight was not merely ceremonial but a validation and activation of the airport’s international certification, adding that scheduled international operations will commence after completion of necessary regulatory procedures.

For sustainability of Ibom Air, Governor Eno said the State was planning on diversification, adding that in the nearest possible future, Ibom Air would be listed in the Stock Exchange market for privatisation.

However, minister  Keyamo, who traveled with the governor on the maiden International fligh to Ghana, described the VAIA as a pace – setter and aviation hub that has launched the State on global radar, and commended the governor for the bold initiative.