The full activation of the international status of the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) in Akwa Ibom moved a step closer on Monday as the Committee on the Actualisation of the Airport’s International Status carried out a comprehensive inspection of facilities ahead of the planned commencement of international flight operations in April.
The inspection covered key infrastructure and operational areas, including the access road, terminal building, apron, taxiway, security perimeter fencing, intelligence security cameras, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, vegetation clearing, as well as the transformer area and medium-voltage power panels.
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 level of progress gives confidence that the April timeline for international operations will be achieved.
Uwah explained that the inspection followed the inauguration of the committee by Governor Umo Eno on January 5, adding that the visit was necessary to assess readiness across critical operational areas, identify infrastructure gaps and ensure timely interventions for 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 work, including VKS and Premium Construction Company, for the speed and quality of delivery so far, while urging them to intensify efforts to meet set deadlines.
Also speaking during the inspection, Engr. Oliver Ebong of VKS, the firm handling the international terminal, highlighted areas requiring urgent attention and assured the committee that work on the terminal would be completed by the end of March.
The committee was inaugurated by Governor Umo Eno following a technical assessment visit to the airport by a Federal Government team led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, as part of the process of operationalising international flights at the airport.
Other members of the committee present at the inspection included the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN; the Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties, Emem Bob; the Managing Director of the Airport Development Authority, Uwem Ekanem; the Managing Director of Ibom Air, George Uriesi; the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Engr. Ephraim Udosen; and the Accountant-General, Uwem Andrew Essien.