The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday led a high-powered federal government technical team on an on-the-spot inspection of facilities at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as part of efforts to upgrade the airport to full international status.
The inspection was coordinated under the Minister’s leadership and featured a strong delegation, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Kofarmata; Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry, Ahmed Tijani; and the NCAA Director of Aerodromes, Engr. Godwin Balang, alongside other senior officials.
Also in attendance were representatives of key aviation and security 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 (NIS), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Quarantine Services and the Nigerian Police Force.
To ensure efficiency, the delegation was divided into three technical groups at the commencement of the exercise, which was formally anchored by the Minister. The groups inspected critical areas of the airport, including the terminal building, aerodrome and control tower, as well as the runway and other airside facilities.
The Akwa Ibom State Government facilitated a smooth and well-coordinated visit throughout the inspection.
At the end of the exercise, the Minister and members of the team expressed satisfaction with the quality, scope and pace of work delivered by the Akwa Ibom State Government under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno.
Special commendation was given to the airport’s design, which allows for seamless domestic-to-international passenger processing and positions it as a full aviation hub.
From the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to the ultra-modern terminal infrastructure, the Victor Attah International Airport was described as meeting world-class standards, with strong potential to boost connectivity, attract investment and drive economic growth in the region.
Speaking after the inspection, Governor Eno applauded the Minister’s commitment to fast-tracking the airport’s upgrade and reaffirmed the readiness of the State Government to work closely with federal aviation authorities. He expressed confidence that the first international flight would operate from the airport by April 1, 2026.
In his remarks, Minister Keyamo disclosed that a technical committee had already been constituted to ensure timely delivery of the project. He directed committee members to mobilise to site from the first week of January 2026 to accelerate all outstanding processes required for the airport’s upgrade to full international operations.