𝐀’𝐈𝐛𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞, 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 – 𝐄𝐧𝐨
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, says the Federal Government’s approval granting international status to the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, will significantly strengthen the state’s economy, expand trade opportunities, and position Akwa Ibom as a major tourism hub in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Speaking shortly after the approval was announced, Eno described the upgrade as a “transformational milestone” that aligns with his administration’s economic blueprint. He noted that the airport’s new status would attract foreign investors, enhance passenger traffic, and deepen the state’s growing aviation sector driven by Ibom Air.
According to the governor, the state is now better positioned to host international events, promote cultural exchanges, and boost hospitality businesses. He added that the upgraded airport would reduce travel stress for residents and visitors, especially those embarking on international trips that previously required routing through Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
Eno also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Aviation for “demonstrating confidence in the state’s infrastructure investments,” emphasising that the international designation would fast-track ongoing projects at the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and the new international terminal.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to improve transportation infrastructure while leveraging the airport’s new status to pursue aggressive economic growth and job creation.
The governor further appealed to hospitality operators, tourism stakeholders, and business owners in the state to prepare for increased opportunities expected from the airport’s expanded operations.
