Gov Eno sets April 1 deadline for Victor Attah Airport’s International take-off

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has directed the inter-ministerial committee handling the international airport status of the Victor Attah International Airport to ensure that all necessary requirements are fully met ahead of the airport’s planned take-off in April this year.

The governor gave the charge as preparations intensify for the commencement of international operations at the facility, following its upgrade by the Federal Government last year.

The upgrade officially conferred international status on the airport, paving the way for it to handle international passengers in 2026.

Governor Eno emphasised the need for the committee to work diligently to meet all benchmarks required for smooth operations, noting that the success of the project is important to the state’s economic growth and global connectivity.

In a related development, the governor also directed the committee on the Treasury Single Account to ensure the full implementation of the TSA for Internally Generated Revenue in Akwa Ibom State.

He stressed that proper enforcement of the TSA would promote transparency, accountability and improved revenue management across government agencies.

Governor Eno gave the charge while inaugurating the committees shortly after signing into law the ₦1.585 trillion 2026 budget during an enlarged State Executive Council meeting on Monday.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, on Tuesday said the inauguration of the committees marked another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems while fast-tracking the completion of major development projects across the state.

According to the statement, members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation include Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government, as chairman; Hon. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties; Mr George Uriesi, Managing Director of Ibom Air; Engr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties; Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, Accountant-General, with Mr Uwem Ekanem, Managing Director of the Airport Development Authority, as secretary.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of TSA-IGR has Mr Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance, as chairman; Mr Uko Udom (SAN), Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy; Mr Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Dr Ubong Inyang, Commissioner for Lands; and Dr Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, as members, with Mr Okon Okon, Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, as secretary.

Eno expressed confidence in the members, noting that their expertise would contribute significantly to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability.

He urged them to intensify their efforts to ensure that all preparatory works remain on schedule.

“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realisation and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026,” he said.

Governor Eno emphasised the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies, warning that no agency of government is permitted to operate an independent account.

“No agency is allowed to own its own stand-alone account. All revenue must be generated and spent through one account. This is the only way we can maintain transparency and track our resources effectively.

“Let me make it absolutely clear that no part of government will generate money and spend.

“Please, if we find out that you circumvent this instruction in any way, we will not take it kindly. All funds should go to the Treasury Single Account.

“Then the committee will give back some percentages to the MDAs as running costs. We have a huge budget of ₦1.5 trillion, and we need these funds for the good of our people.”

Eno added, “As we speak, we know that Akwa Ibom is not owing any bank in this country — not one bank.

“And we don’t intend to owe, except if it becomes absolutely necessary, and we’ll go to the House of Assembly and make our case.

“We know there will be deficits from what we project from the federation account. We don’t intend to borrow. But we know that if we are honest, transparent and accountable, and all of us work to support the Treasury Single Account, we’ll have more than enough to execute the budget.

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