•Governor Umo Eno (L) shown a section of the airport
Hope for the full activation of the recently approved international status of the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) received a major boost yesterday as the Committee on the Actualisation of the Airport’s International Status conducted a comprehensive inspection of facilities, ahead of the planned commencement of international flight operations in April.
The inspection covered critical infrastructure and operational areas, including the access road, terminal building, apron, taxiway, security perimeter fencing, IP intelligence security cameras, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, vegetation clearing, as well as the transformer area and medium voltage power panels, among others.
Speaking after the exercise, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the Committee, Prince Enobong Uwah, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the airport, noting that the current level of progress gives confidence that the April timeline for international operations will be achieved.
Prince Uwah explained that following the inauguration of the committee by Governor Umo Eno on January 5, the inspection became imperative to assess readiness across key operational areas, identify infrastructure gaps, and ensure timely interventions to guarantee a seamless take-off of international flights.
He assured that the committee would maintain continuous oversight through periodic inspections until all components of the project are fully completed.
The SSG commended contractors handling various aspects of the project, including VKS, Premium Construction Company and others, for the speed and quality of work delivered so far, while urging them to intensify efforts to meet set deadlines.
Addressing the committee during the inspection, Engr. Oliver Ebong of VKS, the firm handling the international terminal, highlighted areas requiring urgent attention to ensure full completion of the facility and assured that work on the terminal would be concluded by the end of March.
It will be recalled that Governor Umo Eno inaugurated the committee following a technical assessment visit to the airport by a federal government team led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to commence the process of giving effect to the international operations at the airport.
Other members of the committee who participated in the inspection included the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN; the Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob; the Managing Director of the Airport Development Authority, Mr. Uwem Ekanem; the Managing Director of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi; the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Engr. Ephraim Udosen; and the Accountant-General, Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien.
