Commissioner Bob Visits Akwa Ibom Airport Ahead of April International Flight Deadline
Early next quarter might just see flights from overseas touching down at Victor Attah International Airport, says Mr Emem Almond Bob. He holds the role of Supervisory Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State. Plans are moving forward, he confirms once more. Talks have been pointing in that direction for some time now. The state remains firm on making it happen. No delays expected, if current signals hold.
Flying in just behind sunrise, the Commissioner stepped up to speak. A full walkthrough had come first – the ministry team trailing through every corner of the terminal. Thursday marked the wrap of that slow circuit past gates, lounges, and service zones. Dust still hung where workers moved equipment hours earlier. Words came measured, delivered standing near the old baggage carousel.
Off to one side, the check included key parts like the entry drive inside the main terminal. Parking zones got a look too, along with open ground where planes move. Taxi lanes were part of it, just like fences marking secure edges. A network setup for web access was reviewed at the same time. Power lines leading in, plus gear that changes electricity levels, came under review. Panels handling mid-level voltage also made the list, among similar spots.
Later that day, Bob stepped away from the group after going over progress with every contractor and engineer present. Work moving steadily made him confident – April’s target feels within reach. He spoke calmly, noting how things are unfolding just as needed.
Finding the Governor deeply focused on results, he saw how fast things were moving. With work already well ahead, there’s solid reason to expect flights by foreign carriers starting in April. Progress so far makes that date feel real.
From time to time, updates come through when teams meet. Bob, handling oversight for the new airport terminal, said check-ins with builders happen by design. Since his ministry runs the project, sitting down with contractors is part of how things move forward. These talks help spot weak points. Work quality gets reviewed each round. Not every issue shows up right away. Seeing progress means watching closely, consistently.
”As a ministry, we are here today toinspect and assess key operational areas, identify infrastructure gaps, and ensure timely interventions to guarantee a seamless take-off of international flights,” the Commissioner stated
Flying into the topic when pressed by reporters about a pre-flight inspection, the Commissioner said the team – led by the Secretary to the State Government – is already moving. Their mission? To get the airport ready.
Later on, he clarified he showed up there because his job required it – overseeing things for the ministry. Meetings will pop up when needed, especially if problems come into view. These checkups won’t stop; they’ll keep going right until flights begin across borders from the airport.
From one corner to the next, the Commissioner toured the fresh terminal shell alongside Engr. Oliver Ebong, who leads VKS Construction. Progress hums steadily where effort is needed most – each section inching forward under focused work. Completion looms close, with every task aligned toward a finish before April arrives. A move-in date nears; occupancy expected by month’s end.
Starts with a move by Governor Umo Eno – he set up a team under State Secretary Prince Enobong Uwah. That group took charge after federal inspectors showed up, checking readiness. Leading them was Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN. Their job: push forward on making Victor Attah International Airport fully international. The work kicked off once they wrapped their review. Big steps followed the report. Oversight now sits with the state’s top civil officer. Status change moves ahead – details unfolding behind the scenes.
At the check came Engr. Ephraim Udosen, serving as Permanent Secretary for Special Duties. The head of the Airport Development Authority showed up too – his name is Uwem Ekanem. Project oversight fell under Arc. Ekawan Alale, who leads coordination efforts there. Soil analysis work was represented by Mrs Helen Daniel, known for her role in geo-technical matters. Arc. Christopher Enyekung attended as well, handling documentation duties at the terminal site. Others joined them, moving through each section without delay.
