Gov. Umo Eno’s Strategic Approach to Expanding Akwa Ibom’s Aviation Ecosystem

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Gov. Umo Eno’s Strategic Approach to Expanding Akwa Ibom’s Aviation Ecosystem

By Ekemini James

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, is charting a course to transform the State into West Africa’s leading aviation hub through his administration’s numerous investments in the sector, since he assumed office on 29 May, 2023.

Governor Umo Eno

Governor Eno understands that the aviation sector is a critical driver of economic growth and development and thus, has shown commitment to sustaining and growing the state-owned Airline, Ibom Air, developing the aviation sector and creating job opportunities for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

That, he has done, despite economic uncertainties, to further deliver on his campaign promises and in line with the ARISE Agenda of his administration. This has made every Akwa Ibom son and daughter proud of the man they voted for.

Governor Umo Eno’s recent flag-off of Aviation Village, a residential quarters for airport workers, near the Victor Attah International Airport shows a leader who is passionate about expanding the aviation ecosystem and making Akwa Ibom stand out as the aviation hub in the Gulf of Guinea.

The project will unlock a new era for economic growth and development, support seamless 24-hour airport operations and solidify Ibom Air’s position as a trailblazing airline in Nigeria.

So far, the Governor has kept faith with all previous financial obligations entered into by the previous administration, which shows his dedication to continuity and growth.

His enthusiasm for the airline’s growth is commendable. He has undertaken extensive work on the airport’s infrastructure, including the airside perimeter fencing, airside patrol road, parallel taxiway rapid exit, apron construction, international terminal building, and maintenance facilities.

His words at the presentation of the 2025 Budget to the State Assembly recently is a fitting way to end this piece.

We have kept our obligations to Ibom Air and we will continue to support the airline that has painted our State’s colours brightly in the nation’s aviation space. Since we came in, we have received two Airbus A200-300 Series and a little over a month ago, we received two brand new CRJ 900 Bombardier Aircraft, all paid in full by the State Government, bringing the total fleet in Ibom Air to nine.

“The recent disbursement of an interest-free loan of N60 billion to the company is a testament of our belief that public finance can be deployed for commercial ventures based on global best practices. I am reliably informed that the company has returned to profitability this year.

“We are working to commission the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facility soon, while operations will commence at the International Terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport soon. We thank the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Barr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and heads of other regulatory agencies for working with us to make the expected partial commencement of operations possible.

“That informed our decision to flag off the ground- breaking for the Aviation Village we performed last week. That facility will provide accommodation and other recreational facilities for workers who will help drive our vision as the aviation hub of the Gulf of Guinea and the associated ecosystem.” he said.

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