RismadarVoice Reporters
May 30, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging aviation and transportation infrastructure as key drivers of economic growth, regional connectivity and investment attraction in the state.
Speaking during activities marking the third anniversary of his administration at Government House, Uyo, the governor said transportation development remains a critical pillar of his ARISE Agenda, with significant investments already made in roads, bridges, aviation facilities and mass transit systems.
Eno disclosed that his administration has either completed or commenced the construction of about 1,300 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across various parts of the state to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities.
According to him, the road projects are strategically designed to link rural communities to markets, healthcare facilities, schools and other public services while facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and supporting commercial activities.
“Road infrastructure remains central to our rural development strategy because it connects communities to opportunities and creates an enabling environment for economic growth,” the governor said.
In the aviation sector, Eno described the successful launch of the state’s maiden international flight from the newly completed terminal building of the Victor Attah International Airport to Accra, Ghana, as a major milestone in Akwa Ibom’s drive to become a preferred destination for business, tourism and investment.
He noted that the state-owned carrier, Ibom Air, has continued to strengthen its position in Nigeria’s aviation industry through fleet expansion and strategic investments.
The governor revealed that the state government has acquired and fully paid for two CRJ900 Bombardier aircraft, while an Airbus A220-300 is expected to join the airline’s fleet later this year.
He said the additional aircraft would improve operational efficiency, expand route capacity and support plans for broader regional and international operations.
Beyond fleet expansion, Eno highlighted ongoing investments in complementary aviation infrastructure, including the development of an Aviation Village, a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, airport taxiway expansion, perimeter fencing and a medical facility within the airport corridor.
The governor also announced that the first batch of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses will arrive in the state in June as part of efforts to establish a modern, affordable and environmentally sustainable public transportation system.
He added that work is progressing on a major bus terminal project designed to improve urban mobility and enhance transportation services within and beyond the state.
According to Eno, the transportation initiatives are intended to reduce travel costs, improve access to economic opportunities, attract private investment and create jobs across multiple sectors.
“Transportation infrastructure catalyses trade, tourism, industrial development and social progress. Our investments are deliberately targeted at unlocking these opportunities for the people of Akwa Ibom,” he said.
The governor maintained that the administration would continue to invest in infrastructure projects capable of delivering long-term economic benefits and positioning the state as a competitive regional hub for commerce, tourism and investment.
