Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has directed the inter-ministerial committee overseeing the international status of the Victor Attah International Airport to ensure that all requirements are completed ahead of the facility’s planned take-off date in early April 2026.
The Federal Government upgraded the Uyo airport to international status last year, paving the way for the commencement of international passenger operations.
Governor Eno gave the directive on Monday while inaugurating the inter-ministerial committee on the airport’s operational readiness, as well as the committee on the implementation of the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenue.
The inauguration followed the signing into law of the state’s ₦1.585 trillion 2026 budget during an enlarged State Executive Council meeting.
“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realisation and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026,” the governor said.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, described the inauguration of the committees as a strategic move aimed at strengthening governance structures and accelerating the delivery of key development projects in the state.
According to the statement, the inter-ministerial committee on the international airport is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah.
Other members include the Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties, Emem Bob; the Managing Director of Ibom Air, George Uriesi; Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Ephraim Udosen; and the Accountant-General, Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, with the Managing Director of the Airport Development Authority, Uwem Ekanem, serving as secretary.
Governor Eno expressed confidence in the committee members, noting that their collective expertise would be critical to meeting operational timelines and enhancing the state’s infrastructure.
He also charged the TSA-IGR committee to ensure strict compliance with the policy across all government agencies, stressing that transparency and fiscal discipline remained non-negotiable.
“No agency is allowed to operate a stand-alone account. All revenues must go through the Treasury Single Account. This is the only way we can ensure transparency and properly track our resources,” Eno said.
He warned that any attempt to circumvent the TSA policy would attract sanctions, adding that government agencies were not permitted to independently generate and spend funds.
“Let me be clear: no part of government will generate money and spend it on its own. All funds must be paid into the TSA, after which approved percentages will be released to MDAs as running costs,” he said.
The governor further noted that the state currently has no outstanding bank loans and intends to maintain that status.
“As we speak, Akwa Ibom is not owing any bank in this country, and we do not intend to borrow, except if it becomes absolutely necessary and with the approval of the House of Assembly,” Eno said.
He expressed optimism that improved accountability and full implementation of the TSA would provide sufficient resources to execute the ₦1.5 trillion budget.
“If we are honest, transparent and accountable, and we all support the Treasury Single Account, we will have more than enough to deliver on our budget for the benefit of our people,” the governor added.
