The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno has approved the sum of N1.194bn for the l overhaul of key facilities at the Victor Attah International Airport to enhance aviation infrastructure.
Contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, in Uyo on Saturday, Eno also set an eight-week deadline for the airport management to resume night flights.
Umanah stated that the move is part of the effort to showcase his commitment to the development of the state to a world-class standard.
He noted that Eno is interested in developing a world class standard aviation infrastructure and positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for tourism and investment.
The statement also added that the lastest funding covers the replacement of navigational aids, upgrade of airfield lighting and service charges to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
It read; “This intervention is in line with the governor’s broader commitment to developing world-class aviation infrastructure and positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for tourism and investment.
”The funding covers the replacement of navigational aids, upgrade of airfield lighting and service charges to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
“The governor’s approval followed a request from the airport management seeking upgrades to the airfield lighting and navigational systems, adding that improvements are expected to significantly enhance the airport’s operational capacity, particularly by enabling safe aircraft take-off and landing around the clock.
“The Governor would continue to prioritise infrastructure development under the ARISE Agenda, disclosing that he has also directed the airport management and contractors to adhere strictly to the timeline and ensure quality execution in line with international standards.”
Furthermore, Eno expressed optimism that several other ongoing projects within the airport ecosystem would be completed and ready for public use soon.
The projects including; the new terminal building, access road and car park, VIP shade cover, aircraft apron, taxiway, advanced security and surveillance systems, the maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, and the Aviation Village, he said, would soon be completed.
He urged contractors handling key infrastructure components to improve on their efforts to deliver the project.
On the other hand, the Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Commissioner for the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Mr. Emem Bob, led an inspection tour of all ongoing airport projects under the governor’s directive.
He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, and the Managing Director of the Victor Attah International Airport, Mr. Uwem Ekanem.
