The Federal Government has approved the designation of the Victor Attah Airport in Uyo as a full-fledged international airport, marking a significant milestone for Akwa Ibom State and its growing aviation ambitions.
TheMediaGood Newspaper reports that the approval follows an earlier request by the Umo Eno-led administration, which had formally sought international status for the state-owned facility from the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
Confirming the development, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said the decision was based on the airport’s remarkable infrastructure upgrades and its strategic position within the region.
“Earlier today, I received in audience the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and his team. The Governor had specifically requested the Federal Government to designate the Victor Attah Airport, Uyo, as an international airport,” Keyamo disclosed.
He explained that the approval was granted due to several key factors, including the massive upgrade of the terminal building, the near completion of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the airport’s international-standard runway, and its strategic location with respect to Central and East Africa.
“We approved the request of the Governor and designated the airport as a full-fledged international airport,” he stated.
Keyamo also revealed that the federal government will begin inter-agency coordination to enable full international operations. “In the next few months, we are going to work with other relevant agencies of the government, including Customs, Immigration, NDLEA, Quarantine, Police, etc., to put in place all necessary details for the international flights to begin operations from the Victor Attah Airport, which is now to be known as Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo,” he said.
The approval is expected to boost economic activity, enhance regional connectivity, and position Akwa Ibom as an emerging aviation hub in Nigeria and West Africa.