The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stated that the launch of the first international flight from Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, will unlock tourism and investment opportunities in the region. Keyamo made this statement while attending the inaugural ceremony alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, over the weekend. He described the event as a historic breakthrough that positions Uyo as an emerging hub for regional and international air travel.
Strategic Leap for Connectivity
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo emphasized that the commencement of international operations from the airport represents a strategic leap in Nigeria’s efforts to expand connectivity, deepen economic diversification, and strengthen regional integration across West Africa. He insisted that the operation is not merely about an inaugural flight but about opening Akwa Ibom to the world.
Keyamo said: “This bold vision and sustained investment in aviation infrastructure is not just a commendable development for the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, but a shining example of subnational commitment to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification and connectivity. The commencement of international operations from Uyo will boost tourism, trade and investment, while also creating jobs and enhancing regional integration within West Africa.”
Praise for State Government
The minister also lauded the Akwa Ibom State Government for its sustained investment in aviation infrastructure, noting that subnational initiatives such as this align with the Federal Government’s larger economic agenda aimed at boosting connectivity and ease of doing business. The inaugural flight to Accra was greeted with excitement, drawing dignitaries, aviation stakeholders, and passengers who witnessed the beginning of a new era for air travel in the South-South region.
