Keyamo disclosed this on Wednesday after inspecting facilities at the airport alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, during a meeting with agencies responsible for international airport operations.
The minister said Akwa Ibom State had surpassed expectations in its preparations, noting that the airport’s readiness level was ahead of schedule. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of infrastructure and the progress made toward meeting international standards.
According to Keyamo, representatives from key agencies within the international airport ecosystem—including Customs, Quarantine, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, the Police, DSS, NEMA, and other aviation authorities—were present at the inspection and subsequent closed-door meeting.
“From all we have heard, Akwa Ibom State is ahead of the plan scheduled. We thought the gaps to be closed would be much, but they are virtually very small gaps. Akwa Ibom State has gone ahead of schedule to a full-blown international airport,” he said.
Facilities inspected during the visit included a newly constructed international terminal and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, which Keyamo described as a critical requirement for international airport operations. He explained that the MRO would enable international airlines to carry out routine safety and technical checks before departure, in line with global aviation standards.
In his remarks, Governor Eno thanked the minister for his commitment to ensuring that aviation infrastructure is effectively utilised to drive national economic growth. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the upgrade of the Victor Attah International Airport to international status and for releasing statutory funds to support its development.
The governor further acknowledged the efforts of previous administrations in Akwa Ibom State, noting that their foundational investments made the current level of progress possible.
The planned commencement of international flights is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment in the state, while strengthening Ibom Air’s position in Nigeria’s aviation sector.