The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to upgrade the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo to full international operations, following an extensive on-the-spot inspection led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The inspection, carried out alongside members of a Federal Government technical team, forms part of the final processes aimed at positioning the Akwa Ibom airport as a major international aviation hub in Nigeria’s South South region.

Technical teams examine key facilities

According to a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the inspection was designed to be both thorough and efficient. To achieve this, the delegation was split into three technical groups, each assigned to specific areas of the airport.

One team assessed the terminal building, another focused on the aerodrome and control tower, while the third examined the runway and other airside facilities. According to the statement, the approach allowed experts to independently evaluate critical infrastructure at the same time.

Moshood noted that the Akwa Ibom State Government, under Governor Umo Eno, ensured a smooth and well-coordinated visit throughout the exercise.

High-level delegation joins inspection

The inspection team included senior officials from key aviation agencies. Among them were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Yakubu Kofarmata, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Director of Air Transport Management at the ministry, Ahmed Tijani.

Also present was the NCAA Director of Aerodromes, Engr Godwin Balang, alongside other top officials from the ministry and relevant aviation agencies.

According to Moshood, the exercise was formally anchored by the minister, who coordinated the activities of the various teams on site.

Minister praises infrastructure, design

At the end of the inspection, Keyamo and members of the delegation expressed satisfaction with the quality and scale of work delivered by the Akwa Ibom State Government. Particular praise was given to the airport’s design, which officials said supports seamless movement of passengers between domestic and international flights.

According to the statement, the airport’s layout and infrastructure position it to function as a full aviation hub once all regulatory and operational requirements are completed.

From the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility to the modern terminal complex, the airport was described as meeting world-class standards. Officials said the facilities have the capacity to boost regional connectivity, attract investment and support long-term economic growth in the state.

Technical committee to begin work in 2026

In his remarks, Keyamo disclosed that a dedicated technical committee has already been set up to drive the final phase of the upgrade. He directed committee members to mobilise to the site from the first week of January 2026 to fast-track all outstanding actions required for full international operations.

Aviation analysts say the move aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s international aviation footprint beyond Lagos and Abuja, while unlocking economic opportunities in other regions.

If completed as planned, the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport is expected to strengthen Uyo’s role in regional air travel and enhance Nigeria’s overall aviation capacity.