Akwa Ibom State has reported ₦3.32 billion in aviation revenue between 2023 and September 2026, with Air Peace scheduled to begin flights to Victor Attah International Airport on October 23 as the government seeks to expand airline operations and boost airport earnings.
The planned entry of Air Peace comes amid efforts to turn the airport into a commercial hub supporting passenger services, cargo handling, aircraft maintenance, tourism and other aviation-related businesses.
Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Aviation and Airport Development, Uwem Ekanem, disclosed the revenue figure on Monday during the state government’s 11th ministerial media briefing in Uyo.
Ekanem said the government was working to attract more airlines, improve airport infrastructure and develop commercial services that could make aviation a stronger contributor to the state’s economy.
He said the plans included aircraft maintenance, cargo handling, aviation training, retail outlets, restaurants, lounges and advertising, although some of the proposed activities would require further investment and regulatory approvals.
Ibom Air currently operates flights between Akwa Ibom and Accra, Ghana, on Thursdays and Sundays. The route has recorded 1,998 inbound and outbound passengers since its commencement, according to Ekanem.
The government is also seeking an operator for the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility following technical inspections and recommendations on the modifications required to make it operational.
Other infrastructure cited by the aviation adviser included the international terminal access road and drainage system, aircraft apron, airfield lighting and a 14.1-kilometre operational security fence.
The administration hopes that increased airline activity and commercial investment will improve the airport’s capacity to generate revenue and reduce its dependence on government funding.
Beyond aviation, Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Emem Bob, outlined projects intended to attract visitors, conferences and businesses to the state.
They include the Ibom International Convention Centre, the 18-storey Ibom International Hotel, Arise Shopping City and infrastructure around the Ibom Tropicana complex.
Bob said the convention centre covers 63,549 square metres, has parking space for 615 vehicles and is designed to host conferences, exhibitions and other major events. The adjoining hotel has 220 rooms.
The government expects the facilities to stimulate hospitality businesses, create employment and increase demand for local goods and services. Their economic contribution, however, will depend on effective management, completion and sustained patronage.
On the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport and Industrial City, Bob said the master plan, site-specific studies and feasibility studies had been completed. He added that the full business case had received approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Federal Executive Council, while the process of identifying preferred bidders was ongoing.
The proposed port is expected to support maritime trade, logistics and industrial development, subject to the conclusion of procurement, financing and construction processes.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Akwa Ibom State, Nsibiet John, appealed for affordable airfares for journalists and young people, citing the financial pressures associated with media work.
John also called for improved welfare for information officers and publicity personnel responsible for communicating government programmes.
Air Peace’s planned entry will provide another airline option at Victor Attah International Airport. The extent of its impact on passenger traffic and the state’s aviation revenue will depend on the routes and frequency offered, passenger demand and the government’s ability to translate its wider aviation and tourism plans into sustainable commercial activity.
