Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has announced the creation of a full-fledged Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development to oversee aviation policies and infrastructure in the state.

The announcement was made on his return to Uyo from Accra, Ghana, aboard a maiden international flight that landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s upgraded international status.

Eno said the new ministry would be responsible for managing aviation development strategies and ensuring the airport’s potential is fully maximised to position Akwa Ibom as an emerging aviation hub.

He directed the Managing Director of the Ibom Airport Development Company, Engr Uwem Ekanem, to immediately oversee the affairs of the new ministry pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner.

The governor explained that the successful Uyo–Accra flight had effectively validated the airport’s international designation, describing it as a major achievement for the state.

“Today, after all the hard work put into the realisation of this moment, here we are, finally back on an international flight from Accra, landing in Uyo for the first time in the history of this airport,” Eno said.

He added that the state had invested significantly in upgrading the terminal to meet international standards and urged residents to take pride in the development.

The new ministry, according to him, is expected to strengthen aviation operations, expand connectivity, and develop a broader ecosystem that supports economic growth through air transport.