The Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo is on the verge of commencing international flight operations after a federal government inspection team identified only minor deficiencies requiring attention.
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, led a Federal Government Technical Committee that conducted a comprehensive assessment of the airport’s preparedness for international operations.
The inspection followed the facility’s recent elevation to full international status by the federal government, with the technical committee charged with verifying that all installations meet global aviation standards before operations begin.
The assessment team included representatives from multiple government agencies: the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Quarantine Service, Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services.
Aviation sector agencies were also represented, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Keyamo conducted the inspection alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and members of his administration.
According to the minister, federal agency representatives expressed satisfaction with the quality and extent of improvements made at the airport facility.
However, the team documented several minor deficiencies that must be resolved before international flights can officially commence. These observations have been shared with relevant stakeholders for immediate remediation.
Keyamo reported that Governor Eno pledged to swiftly address the identified gaps to facilitate the seamless launch of international operations at the airport.
The anticipated commencement of international flights is expected to significantly enhance aviation activity, commerce, and economic development throughout Akwa Ibom State and the broader South-South region of Nigeria.
