The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to upgrade the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo to full international status, following an on-the-spot inspection by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Keyamo led members of a Federal Government Technical Committee to inspect critical facilities at the airport, including the terminal building, runway, aerodrome and control tower. The inspection is part of ongoing assessments aimed at ensuring the airport meets global standards for international operations.
According to a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the delegation was divided into three technical teams to speed up the inspection process. Each group focused on specific areas of professional concern to ensure a thorough evaluation.
The inspection team included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Yakubu Kofarmata; Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; and other senior officials from the ministry and relevant aviation agencies.
Moshood noted that Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, ensured a smooth and well-coordinated visit, providing full support throughout the exercise.
At the end of the inspection, the minister and his team expressed strong satisfaction with the quality of infrastructure at the airport, praising its design and capacity to function as a full aviation hub. They particularly commended the airport’s ability to seamlessly handle domestic-to-international passenger connections.
Keyamo highlighted facilities such as the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre and the ultra-modern terminal, describing the airport as meeting world-class standards. He said the development positions Uyo as an emerging aviation hub with the potential to boost connectivity, attract investment and drive economic growth.
The minister also revealed that a technical committee has already been set up to fast-track the upgrade process. He directed committee members to commence site work from the first week of January 2026 to ensure all outstanding requirements are addressed promptly, paving the way for full international operations.
