By Straightnews
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed IbomAir management to declare profits in 2025 to the state over its investments in the airline.
Eno gave the directive Friday when he took delivery of two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft for the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, assured that his administration would expedite action on optimum returns on investment of public funds and assets within and outside the State.
The Governor who led Akwa Ibom people in a joyous reception of the two aircraft labelled 5N-CED and 5N-CEE, which touched ground at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, 2:59 p.m and 3:06 p.m respectively, affirmed that the acquisition was fully funded by the state government, without any loan or facility from any financial institution.
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Recall that in June 2024, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced the release of N60 billion from the state government’s coffers to IbomAir for the acquisition of two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft.
The Governor lauded the impressive performance of IbomAir in Nigerian aviation industry, and tasked the management to ensure the airline declares profit in 2025 to justify the investment of the state funds.
‘‘To the Ibom Air, while we thank you for your wonderful management team, we urge you that from 2025, we must begin to receive profits from the operations of the Ibom Air. We must begin to receive profits so that our investment will be worth the while.”
This, he said, was a step in line with his administration’s determination to break the vicious cycle of state government investments existing only to settle debts in favour of financial institutions, adding that his administration will rather explore ventures that will ensure returns on investment to the state.
The State Chief Executive urged the management of Ibom Air to prioritise the flight need of Akwa Ibom travellers by ensuring Uyo inbound and outbound flights are not truncated.
The Governor maintained that besides the 18-storey complex underway in Nigeria’s economic capital, Lagos, his administration will soon flag off a 4-Star hotel on the state-owned property in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, an international market in Ikot Ekpene, while the International terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport will soon commence partial operation by December, ahead of its full activation in 2025.
“Between now and the first quarter of next year, we will be flagging off a four-Star Hotel in Abuja because we are determined to turn all our moribund property to commercial use. By next year, the MRO behind us will have been completed. We are putting in so much money already, and we are at 95 per cent completion. In December, we are going to partially open the brand new international terminal and then it will be fully opened by the first quarter of next year.”
“As long as I remain Governor, we will continue to use the state’s money for the generality of our people. We will not put the money in few pockets. We will rather put the money in things that will benefit all of us. So we will continue to put money together to fund our critical infrastructure.
“For the Ibom towers in Lagos, we will make sure that we don’t borrow a dime, and we will finish in 24 months by the grace of God.
In a related development, the Governor, made a stopover at the site for Ibom Aviation Village, and assured that the project will be flagged off in two weeks.
In a goodwill message, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, commended the prudence and business orientation of Governor Umo Eno in running the affairs of the State, affirming that the Governor has initiated lofty programmes over 18 months of his administration without approaching the State House of Assembly for any loan approval.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ibom Air Limited, Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, had thanked Akwa Ibom people and air travellers across Nigeria for their patronage and support for the airline.
He particularly commended the Governor for the investment in the brand which, he said, has increased its fleet to nine in a very short time and has increased its capability for more frequent flights along the Uyo-Lagos-Abuja routes.
Also speaking, the CEO of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom commended the Governor for his commitment to the growth of the State-owned airline, adding that the two new aircraft have come in to increase capacity of the Airline in readiness for Christmas. He assured of increased frequency and efficiency.
The Paramount Ruler of Okobo Local Government Area, Edidem Ita Edet Okokon III, appreciated the Governor for his leadership approach, and assured of continuous support by the traditional institution.
Speaking About CRJ900 Next-Gen aircraft, Aniekan Essienette, General Manager Marketing and Communication, Ibom Air said like other members of the CRJ Series family of aircraft, the light weight and advanced aerodynamics of the CRJ900 Next-Gen regional jet combine to deliver improved efficiency and reduced operating costs compared to other aircraft in its class.
“Since the launch of the earlier-generation CRJ900 aircraft, enhancements to the CRJ900 Next-Gen aircraft have resulted in up to 5.5 per cent fuel burn reduction.
*In addition to offering significant fuel cost savings per aircraft, as well as outstanding operational flexibility, the CRJ900 Next-Gen aircraft provides customers with an improved experience that includes excellent legroom, bright cabins resulting from large windows and LED lighting as well as large overhead bins” She added.
The Bombardier CRJ-900 (CRJ9) or Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet 900 is a regional jet developed by Bombardier Aviation.
Taking turns to express delight with the new aircrafts, former State, Attorney General, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, International Coordinator of Maintain Peace Movement, Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN; and Elder Aniekan Akpan, the state Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party commended the continuum in governance by successive administrations in the State, affirming the gesture as aiding Akwa Ibom’s rise to dominance of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Bombardier CRJ-900 Key features
Specifications
– Seating capacity: 76-90 passengers
– Length: 36.4 meters (119 ft 4 in)
– Wingspan: 23.2 meters (76 ft 1 in)
– Height: 7.6 meters (24 ft 11 in)
– Maximum takeoff weight: 38,995 kg (86,000 lb)
– Engines: 2 x General Electric CF34-8C5A1 turbofans
Performance
– Cruise speed: 830 km/h (515 mph)
– Range: 2,956 km (1,836 mi)
– Service ceiling: 12,497 meters (41,000 ft)
Ex-Governor Emmanuel’s botched pledge
In November 202, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State said that the state planned to add ten A220-300 series aircraft to the fleet of Ibom Air.
He revealed the plan when he spoke at an event marking the 85th birthday of Obong Etim Abia, the Paramount Ruler of Eket in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
“As I am leaving here, we are signing fresh agreements that will give us 10 brand new A220-300 Air Buses, so that even when I leave office, it will remain an enduring legacy,” he said.
However, the pledge was not fulfilled by the time he left office.
