The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has highlighted the strategic significance of the Victor Attah International Airport, describing it as a uniquely positioned transit hub in Nigeria.

The airport on Saturday commenced international operations with the airlift of its first passengers to Accra, Ghana.

On board the maiden flight were Umo Eno, Keyamo, and other government officials.
Speaking during a brief ceremony at the airport prior to takeoff, the minister said the facility is not just another terminal but a world-class transit hub with the rare capacity to handle seamless transfers between international and domestic flights.

“This airport is not just one of those airports or a terminal building, but a world-class transit hub with immense impact. With this facility, passengers can transfer from international to international, domestic to international, and international to domestic,” he said.

Keyamo noted that such capability is not available at any other airport in the country, adding that Akwa Ibom State is gradually transforming into a “Dubai of Nigeria” due to its expanding infrastructure and economic potential.

He described the airport’s economic impact as “massive and far-reaching,” commending Governor Eno for his commitment to completing the project and securing its international status.

Governor Eno, who expressed delight at the milestone, attributed the success to the visionary leadership of his predecessors.
“It was indeed a relay race of impactful leadership—from Victor Attah to Godswill Akpabio, to Udom Emmanuel, and now to my administration. Each contributed significantly to this achievement,” he said.

The governor also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting sub-national infrastructure projects through timely fund releases.
He further appreciated Keyamo for his role in actualising the airport’s international operations.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, Emem Bob, praised the governor’s foresight in upgrading the airport.

In separate remarks, the Managing Director of the Ibom Airport Development Company, Uwem Ekanem; the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriese; and the Chairman of the construction firm VKS, Oliver Ebong, commended the governor for overcoming challenges and driving the project to completion.