Ibom International: Governor Eno says “It was a marathon, not a sprint”
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has declared that the newly launched Ibom International terminal at Victor Attah International Airport represents the culmination of nearly three decades of planning, persistence, and strategic investment.
Speaking during the official commissioning and a symbolic non-scheduled inaugural flight to Accra, Ghana, the governor positioned the Ibom International Airport project as a cornerstone of a broader aviation ecosystem designed to transform the state’s economic fortunes.
“We are steadily building the aviation ecosystem in Akwa Ibom. Between now and the next few months, we will be commissioning the MRO and laying the foundation for the cargo terminal,” Eno said, outlining a pipeline of aviation-linked infrastructure already in motion.
He added that the development extends beyond a single terminal project: “This project behind us has brought about nine different projects… we are already working on the aviation village.”
The governor stressed that the ambition is not merely infrastructural, but strategic. According to him, Akwa Ibom is positioning itself to be counted “among the committee of states in this country,” noting that the state is already gaining continental recognition.
“A friend of mine sent me a chat today and said Akwa Ibom is on the African aviation map today. And this is a pride,” he said.
Eno also addressed public expectations regarding immediate international operations, cautioning that scheduled flights will not begin instantly despite the terminal’s readiness.
“After this maiden flight today, Ibom Air will now commence the process of scheduling flights… it will take them between two to three months,” he explained. “They have to negotiate and get landing permits in other countries. That will take a while.”
In a reflective moment, the governor traced the Ibom International project’s origins across successive administrations, highlighting its long gestation period.
“This project has taken over 24 years… 27 years to realise the vision we are looking at today. It was not a spring, it was a marathon,” he said.
He credited past leaders, including former governor Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel, for laying the groundwork for the Ibom International Airport.
“Proper foundation has to be laid, processes have to be followed… we are here because they dreamt of an Akwa Ibom that will be linked to the world,” he concluded.
Keyamo: “This is the only intentional hub terminal in Nigeria”
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the Ibom International facility as a groundbreaking development not just for Akwa Ibom but for Nigeria’s entire aviation landscape.
Rejecting the conventional description of the structure as merely a terminal, Keyamo emphasised its strategic design and function.
“This is not a terminal building… it is a transit hub,” he said. “What you are seeing here today is immense, it is huge.”
According to the minister, the Ibom International terminal introduces a capability previously absent at the subnational level in Nigeria, true passenger transfer across multiple travel categories.
“People can come here and transfer from international to international, domestic to international, and international to domestic. It does not exist in any subnational anywhere in the country,” he stated.
He underscored the uniqueness of the facility in unequivocal terms: “This is not the best. It is the only one.”
Keyamo further highlighted the anticipated economic impact, describing it as potentially transformative for both the state and the nation.
“The multiplier effect it has on the economy of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria will be huge,” he said, drawing comparisons with global aviation systems where secondary international airports drive tourism and trade.
In a note of optimism, the minister echoed a long-held vision for the state’s future.
“One day Akwa Ibom will open up and you will discover that there is a Dubai inside Nigeria. This is one of the examples here today,” he remarked.
Uriesi: “Validating the ‘international’ in Victor Attah Airport”
Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, provided technical insight into the operational significance of the new facility, describing it as a first-of-its-kind in Nigeria.
“We have delivered something that hasn’t existed in our country before—a terminal specially designed for transfer of domestic to international passengers, international to domestic passengers, and most importantly international to international passengers,” he said.
Uriesi illustrated how the system will function in practice, using a real-world travel scenario.
“A passenger will fly from Libreville into Uyo to connect to Johannesburg without entering Nigeria technically. They will just experience the ambience of our terminal and transfer,” he explained.
He compared the concept to major European transit hubs, where passengers connect seamlessly without passing through full immigration processes.
“This is what happens when you fly to Europe… you get to Amsterdam, you don’t go into the country, you stay in the airport and connect,” he said.
The Ibom Air CEO expressed confidence that the Ibom International facility would redefine passenger experience and influence travel behaviour among Nigerians.
“Every passenger who comes through Uyo will be blown away by this facility,” he said. “They will call their friends and say, ‘if you want to travel, go to this place.’”
Uriesi also framed the commissioning as a symbolic milestone that finally aligns the airport’s name with its functionality.
“Today, you are validating the ‘international’ in Victor Attah International Airport,” he said, addressing the governor directly.
He pledged that Ibom Air would match the world-class infrastructure with equally high service standards.
“We promise to honour this sacrifice with world-class service,” he said, describing the project as “an excellent tribute to hard work, tenacity, and vision.”
A New Chapter for Victor Attah International Airport
With the successful maiden flight to Accra and the unveiling of a purpose-built transit hub, Ibom International now enters a critical transition phase from infrastructure delivery to operational execution.
While regulatory approvals and international route negotiations are expected to take a few months, stakeholders agree that the foundation for the Ibom International terminal has been firmly laid.
What emerges from the Ibom International commissioning is not just an airport terminal, but a strategic aviation hub designed to connect Nigeria more efficiently to Africa and the wider world, placing Akwa Ibom at the centre of a bold new trajectory in regional air travel.
