Uyo Airport Nears International Status As FG Team Identifies Minor Gaps

The Federal Government has taken steps toward the commencement of international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following a high-level technical inspection of the facility.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), disclosed this after leading a Federal Government Technical Committee to assess the airport’s readiness for international operations.

According to Keyamo, the inspection followed the recent upgrade of the airport by the Federal Government to full international status.

He said the technical committee was tasked with evaluating facilities at the airport to ensure compliance with international aviation standards ahead of the commencement of operations.

The committee comprises officials from key government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Quarantine Service, Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Also represented on the committee were agencies under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Keyamo said the inspection was conducted alongside the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, and members of his team.

He disclosed that representatives of the Federal Government agencies expressed satisfaction with the quality and scope of work carried out at the airport.

According to him, the team identified minor gaps that need to be addressed before international flight operations can officially begin.

The minister added that the observations were documented and shared with relevant stakeholders for immediate action.

Keyamo further stated that Governor Eno gave a firm commitment to promptly address the identified gaps to ensure the smooth takeoff of international operations at the airport.

The development is expected to boost aviation activities, trade, and economic growth in Akwa Ibom State and the South-South region.