Gov Umo Eno Applauds Restoration of Night Flights at Victor Attah International Airport

Also Read

 

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commended the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Board of Ibom Airport Development Company for the restoration of night operations at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.

The governor had earlier issued an ultimatum to his Senior Special Assistant/Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ibom Airport Development Company, Mr. Uwem Ekanem, and the board to ensure the full restoration of the airport’s airfield lighting system before September 30, 2025.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, in Uyo on Thursday, Eno expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the project.

“His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D, is pleased and congratulates the MD/CEO, Mr. Uwem Ekanem, the staff, and the Board for rising to the occasion and getting the job done within the specified timeline,” the statement read.

With the successful calibration of navigational aids and overhaul of the lighting system, the sunset-to-sunrise restrictions previously imposed have now been lifted, paving the way for the immediate resumption of night flight operations.

Governor Eno also commended NAMA for its role in ensuring the successful completion of the exercise, while assuring that the state government would continue to fund critical aviation projects.

“Government will continue to inject funds to ensure that our MRO, the international terminal, and all other ongoing projects within the aviation ecosystem become operational as the Yuletide season dawns,” the statement added.

The governor emphasized that the restoration of night operations aligns with his ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes tourism development. He said the move would enhance the operations of Ibom Air and boost tourism as the state prepares to commission the Arise Resorts in December, billed to be “the best family-themed resort in the country.”

“Akwa Ibom indeed is being primed as the tourism haven of our nation and a future with or without oil,” the governor declared.

It will be recalled that on July 12, 2025, Governor Eno approved the release of N1.194 billion for the overhaul of key facilities at the airport, with an eight-week deadline for the restoration of night flights. He had also warned that failure to meet the target would attract sanctions.