Akakan Umoh
Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the maiden international flight from the Victor Attah International Airport to Accra, Ghana, on Saturday as a defining moment for the state.
Ekpo who accompanied Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, at the inaugural international flight operations from Uyo to Accra, returned to Uyo on Sunday as the governor described the development as a major step toward boosting economic activities in the state.
He described the development as a giant milestone in the state’s economic transformation, noting that the upgrade of the airport to international status is a strategic investment worthy of commendation.
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The Minister specifically hailed the Governor Eno for his administration’s strides in the aviation sector and President Bola Tinubu for granting the approval that paved way for the airport’s elevation.
He saw the gesture as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening subnational infrastructure and economic growth across the country.
”For me, this upgrade tells the world that Akwa Ibom is ready for business, ready for tourism and ready to take its rightful place in the global economy. I appreciate Governor Umo Eno for being intentional in developing the aviation sector in our state.
“This achievement is built on years of vision and commitment, but what we are seeing today is a consolidation and expansion of that vision. Governor Umo Eno and his team deserve commendation for taking Akwa Ibom to the next level,” he said.
He further lauded the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his role in facilitating the realisation of the project, adding that the collaboration between federal and state authorities reflects the importance of synergy in delivering critical national infrastructure.
While urging Akwa Ibom people to remain steadfast with Governor Eno, Ekpo expressed hope that the commencement of international flight operations from Uyo will significantly boost tourism, attract foreign investments, as well as open up new economic and employment opportunities in Akwa Ibom State.
He noted that improved connectivity would enhance trade flows and position the state as a gateway for regional commerce.
Eno excited after returning to Uyo
The governor said the new route positions Uyo as a growing hub for business and international engagements within West Africa
He made this known in a statement posted on his official page after returning from the maiden international flight, noting that the development is expected to enhance tourism, trade and regional connectivity.
“This will open up more opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment, and make it easier for us to connect with other countries within the sub-region,” he said.
Eno added that the state is taking further steps to strengthen its aviation sector, including the creation of a dedicated ministry to oversee airport development and related activities.
“To give this sector greater focus, I have directed the creation of a standalone Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development,” he stated.
He stated that Engr. Uwem Ekanem has been appointed to supervise the ministry pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner.
The governor also revealed plans to expand the state-owned airline Ibom Air, with the addition of a new Airbus A220 aircraft expected in June.
“Ibom Air will also receive a new Airbus A220 in June as we continue to expand our fleet and strengthen our aviation capacity,” he said.
Eno acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, including President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, as well as contributions from past administrations.
Ekpo felicitates NNPC Ltd on OB3 River Niger crossing
In another development, Ekpo congratulated the NNPC Limited on the successful completion of the River Niger crossing on the Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, describing the achievement as a pivotal advancement in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure development.
Ekpo stated that the successful execution of this technically complex crossing—delivered using advanced horizontal directional drilling technology—unlocks the full potential of the OB3 Pipeline, a strategic national asset with the capacity to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
This, he noted, would strengthen gas supply reliability while supporting power generation and industrial growth.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, the Minister hailed the feat as a major boost to the Decade of Gas initiative and a concrete step towards advancing Mr. President’s “Gas to Prosperity: Renewed Hope Agenda” particularly by enabling the interconnection of Nigeria’s gas networks and accelerating the delivery of gas to domestic and industrial users.
The Minister commended the GCEO, Board, Management, and Staff of NNPC Limited and its subsidiary, the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), as well as the project contractors and host communities, for their professionalism and resilience in delivering the project.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with NNPC Limited and industry stakeholders to accelerate gas infrastructure development and fully harness Nigeria’s gas resources for sustainable economic growth and national energy security.
