RismadarVoice Reporters
November 6, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his visit to Akwa Ibom State as a homecoming, recalling his previous employment with Mobil as he inaugurated the international terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.
Speaking during Friday’s visit, Tinubu praised Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the airport development initiative and securing federal approval for international flight operations.
The President said his personal connection with Akwa Ibom made the occasion particularly significant, noting that the airport project demonstrated the importance of continuity in governance.
He recalled working in the state as an auditor with Mobil and commended successive administrations for contributing to the development of the airport.
Tinubu described Eno as a leader committed to completing projects inherited from previous governments, saying the international terminal represented the fulfilment of a longstanding vision.
He also disclosed that he approved the state government’s request for international flight operations after reviewing the proposal submitted by the governor.
The President urged stakeholders to harness Akwa Ibom’s economic opportunities, stressing the importance of cooperation and development across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
Beyond the international terminal, Tinubu’s visit featured the inauguration of the International Airport Hospital, Ibom Aviation Village and the Airport–Okopedi Road connecting communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo local government areas.
Other projects listed for commissioning during the presidential visit included Ring Road 3, the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort.
The projects form part of Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development, economic opportunities and improved public services.
The new airport terminal is expected to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s aviation infrastructure and support future international passenger operations, subject to the applicable operational and regulatory requirements.
Tinubu was accompanied by senior government officials and received by Governor Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other political leaders and dignitaries.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the state government to present its infrastructure investments and highlight cooperation between federal and state authorities.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu would proceed to Rivers State on Saturday for another engagement as part of his two-state visit.
The Akwa Ibom event highlighted the administration’s emphasis on completing inherited infrastructure projects while pursuing further development across the state.
