Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has officially set an ambitious deadline for the state’s entry into the global aviation market, tasking a newly inaugurated committee to ensure the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) is ready for its first international flight by 01 April 1 2026.
The Governor gave the charge yesterday, Monday, 5 January during an enlarged State Executive Council meeting where he inaugurated two critical implementation committees following the signing of the state’s ₦1.585 trillion 2026 “Budget of Growth.”
Governor Eno emphasized that with the Federal Government’s official designation of the airport for international status in late 2025, there are “no more excuses” for delay.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation has been ordered to work day and night to “tick the boxes” on remaining technical requirements.
Beyond just flights, the Governor reiterated his plan to build an “aviation ecosystem,” including a cargo terminal (already captured in the 2026 budget) and residential quarters for airport staff to ensure seamless 24/7 operations.
“My target is that by April 1, the first international plane should take off from Uyo. This is about unlocking tourism, business growth, and foreign investment for every Akwa Ibomite,” Eno stated.
The committee is comprised of top-tier officials and aviation experts to ensure federal standards are met.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo recently inspected the facility and noted that Akwa Ibom is “ahead of schedule” due to two world-class assets; a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul center that allows international airlines to conduct routine checks in Uyo rather than flying to Europe or the Middle East; and a “smart” international terminal designed specifically for high-volume, cross-border passenger processing.
In a simultaneous move to boost the state’s fiscal health, Governor Eno also inaugurated a committee for the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Starting this month, all state revenues will be centralized to ensure transparency and fund the massive infrastructure projects planned for 2026.
