By ISAIAH EKA

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has commended the Akwa Ibom Government for preparing the Victor Attah International Airport for International flights in April 2026.

Keyamo said this on Wednesday at a meeting with members of the International Airport ecosystem at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.

Keyamo inspecting facilities at the airport to ascertain the level of preparedness for the international flight in company of Gov. Umo Eno, said the state was ahead of the planned take off scheduled.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the standard of facilities and level of preparedness.

“Having heard from all the agencies involved in an International Airport ecosystem, they were all here with us and we held a closed door meeting.

“From the Customs to Quarantine, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, Police, DSS, to NEMA and all aviation agencies.

“From all we have heard, Akwa Ibom State is ahead of the plan scheduled.

“We thought the gaps to be closed will be much, but they are virtually very small gaps. Akwa Ibom state has gone ahead of schedule to a full blown International Airport,” Keyamo said.

According to him, facilities inspected included; a brand new and well-equipped International terminal and the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) among other facilities.

He said that standard MRO was one of the requirements for an international airport, stressing that Akwa Ibom was ready to render its aviation services to the world and make the state proud.

“This facility we are seeing here is the MRO that means all international airlines coming here have a facility where they can conduct routine checks before they fly out again.

“It is one of the standard requirements of any International Airport,” he said.

In his remarks, Eno thanked the minister for his honesty, zealous and passionate effort towards ensuring that the facilities are properly ulitised for the overall economic benefit of the country.

The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu’s administration for granting approval to upgrade the status of the Victor Attah international airport and for releasing statutory funds to the state for development.

Eno thanked past leaders in the State for their visionary leadership, having laid the foundation that has allowed development to thrive. (NAN)

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