Keyamo Hails As Umo Eno Shows Off Aviation Feats

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has stated that facilities at the Victor Attah International Airport have met all the standard to be certified as an international hub even as he commended Governor Umo Eno for his effort in bringing the facility to unprecedented standard.

Speaking during a working visit to the State, the minister who was elated at the quality and state of facilities at the Airport especially, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), and Smart International Terminal, said they were the best by any sub-national in the country.

In his words, “You have met all the standard to be certified as an international hub. DG NCAA, once the application comes, process it. The dedication to duty here, the dedication to this project is phenomenal. There is no sub-national in the entire country that has been so dedicated to this kind of humongous project, as it is in Akwa Ibom State.

He noted that one of his KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) on assumption of office was to support the growth and sustenance of local operators; stressing that his Ministry will support the Akwa Ibom State government to ensure that the MRO begins to function.

The Minister who was evidently wowed while being conducted round the different facilities during the inspection, said, “This is an incredible facility you have here! One of the first things I identified when I came into office was the need for us to have a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, a world-class one and what I have seen here, meets that need.

“The potentials of this place are huge. It’s about 90-95 percent complete and by the time it becomes fully operational, I am very certain it will capture the whole of the markets in West and Central Africa and even up to North Africa and that’s what we have been looking for.

“One of the problems hampering the operation of the aviation sector in Nigeria has always been the lack of facilities such as this. Our aircrafts will go out of the country for maintenance and may be there for months. But with this facility, we would conserve foreign exchange.

“There are two projects currently on going here:  The new International Terminal Building and of course, the MRO. It’s not just a terminal building, what I am seeing here is a hub. It’s a proper hub where we can process international passengers and transfer them from one section to the other for them to catch their international flights.

“What we have here is a hidden jewel, but it’s all for the good of our dear nation. I will mobilize all the agencies in my Ministry,  all the regulatory bodies to make sure they give you 100 percent support and we are confident you will keep to international standards.

“The DG of NCAA is here and we stand ready to give you all our maximum support. I want to thank Governor Eno, for the passion he has shown towards this project since he came into office,” he added.

The aviation boss appreciated the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno as well as past leaders in the State for their commitment to aviation development, especially the international airport.

He recalled with joy the passion and commitment of former Governor Victor Attah whom he said had called on his (Festus Keyamo’s) appointment to appeal for support for the State aviation industry, and reaffirmed his readiness to render the necessary support.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno said the airport has all the required facilities to make it a hub, adding that it has good space for other facilities including international hotel, international conference centre and other expansion project.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his spirit of inclusiveness saying, “He is a great father of the nation and we remain dedicated to supporting  and showing our loyalty  to his government.”

Governor Eno appreciated the Minister for the visit and assured that Akwa Ibom will make a good partner of the Aviation Ministry and the Federal Government in general, adding that what ever is left will soon be completed to make the airport an international hub.

It would be recalled that Governor Umo Eno, in his commitment to his campaign promises as contained in the ARISE Agenda, had earlier visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to seek collaboration and support for the State’s aviation industry.

At the event were; State Executive Council members, the Managing Director of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, the Chief Operating Officer of the airline, George Uriesi, the DG of the Campaign Organization in the last election, Chief Assam Assam, SAN as well as the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Captain Chris Najomo, among others.

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