Contractors and government regulators have intensified work at the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA), Uyo, following its recent certification for international operations, as efforts mount to meet the April completion deadline set by Governor Umo Eno.
A visit to the airport by journalists revealed significant progress at the new smart terminal building, including the delivery of two passenger boarding bridges.
The extra-long bridges, transported at a speed of 25km per hour, arrived at the airport on Monday, three days after departing Onne Port in Rivers State.
Additional lighter components, which left the port on Friday evening, had arrived earlier on Saturday.
The development marks another milestone in the Akwa Ibom State government’s aviation expansion drive aimed at positioning the state as a regional and international hub.
Top government officials were present to receive the equipment, including the state Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob; Chairman of VKS Construction Limited, Oliver Ebong; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso.
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Speaking at the site, Mr. Bob reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to delivering a modern, world-class airport facility.
He stated that the administration is working assiduously to ensure the terminal becomes fully operational by the first week of April.
He praised Gov. Eno’s determination to see the project through to completion, noting that the airport project is entirely state-funded, with no borrowing involved.
“Our governor is known for finishing what he starts, and this airport project is another example of that commitment,” Bob said.
Ebong expressed appreciation to the state government for entrusting VKS Construction Limited with the ambitious project.
He assured that the terminal would be ready for use by the end of March, ahead of the April deadline.
While conducting journalists around the facility, Ebong described the terminal as the first of its kind in Nigeria, equipped with advanced ICT systems, reliable power infrastructure, and state-of-the-art security technology.
He added that some of the equipment installed at the terminal had never before been imported into the country, which posed challenges during shipment documentation, but confirmed that all components had arrived safely.
With the arrival of the boarding bridges and installation work ongoing, the new terminal is steadily taking shape as Akwa Ibom moves closer to launching full international operations at VAIA.
