The Federal Government has advanced its plan to upgrade Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, following an in-situ inspection of critical aviation infrastructure by a high-powered technical committee. The inspection, led by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, forms part of the structured assessment required to elevate Victor Attah International to full international operational status. The visit underscores the Federal Government’s intent to ensure compliance with global aviation standards while accelerating readiness for international flight operations.
Upon arrival at Victor Attah International, the Minister formally inaugurated the inspection exercise, outlining its importance within the wider aviation development framework. To ensure efficiency and depth, the technical team adopted a coordinated inspection approach that allowed specialists to focus on their respective operational domains. This structure ensured that every critical component of Victor Attah International received focused professional scrutiny without disrupting airport operations or the inspection timeline.
The assessment covered the terminal building, aerodrome infrastructure, airside facilities, runway systems, and the control tower, with each area evaluated against regulatory and safety benchmarks. Throughout the exercise, the Akwa Ibom State Government facilitated seamless access and logistics, reinforcing its commitment to positioning Victor Attah International as a viable international gateway. The coordination enabled inspectors to move swiftly between facilities while engaging directly with on-ground operational teams.
At the conclusion of the inspection, members of the Federal Government technical committee expressed strong satisfaction with the quality and pace of development observed at Victor Attah International. Particular attention was drawn to the airport’s architectural layout, which supports efficient passenger processing and allows for smooth transitions between domestic and international operations. According to the team, the infrastructure demonstrates foresight and aligns with the functional requirements of a modern aviation hub.
Beyond the terminal complex, Victor Attah International impressed inspectors with its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility and airside installations. These assets were described as reflective of world-class aviation standards, capable of supporting aircraft operations, safety oversight, and long-term sustainability. The cumulative impact of these facilities positions Uyo to benefit from enhanced connectivity, increased investor confidence, and broader economic opportunities linked to international air access.
Speaking after the inspection, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., praised the Minister’s leadership and commitment to fast-tracking the upgrade of Victor Attah International. He reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to work closely with Federal aviation authorities, stressing that all outstanding requirements would be addressed promptly. The Governor expressed confidence that Victor Attah International would be ready to commence its first international flight by 1 April 2026, provided collaborative momentum is sustained.
In his remarks, the Minister confirmed that a dedicated technical committee has already been constituted to drive the final phase of the upgrade process. He directed committee members to mobilise to site from the first week of January 2026, with a mandate to work assiduously on all remaining technical, regulatory, and operational actions. According to him, Victor Attah International represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation network and regional competitiveness.
The inspection delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies, reflecting the multi-layered oversight required for international airport certification. Representatives from aviation security, airspace management, meteorology, safety investigation, immigration, customs, law enforcement, and other critical services were also present, reinforcing the whole-of-government approach being applied to Victor Attah International.
With infrastructure largely in place and technical confidence expressed by regulators, Victor Attah International stands at a decisive point in its evolution. The inspection has laid a firm foundation for final approvals, signalling that the airport is steadily transitioning from ambition to operational international reality.
