The Government of Akwa Ibom State has assured that its state-owned Victor Attah International Airport Uyo is fully functional and safe for use.
The assurance is coming after the former governor, Obong Victor Attah had said the state is losing revenue because of the absence of a landing light at the state-owned airport.
He had said, “I really cannot understand. This is your main gateway. How can you not make sure it serves its purpose? Night flights are really what most airports depend on.”
However, the state government through the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong on Wednesday assured that the airport is fully operational with its airfield lighting and all other safety requirements intact.
He said: “The Akwa Ibom state government, owners of Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, hereby affirm that our airport is safe and fully operational, with its airfield lighting and all other safety appurtenances intact and functional.
“The current sunrise to sunset operation approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is in place to facilitate the completion and integration of the rapid exit way at the two axis of the active runway of the airport. In line with international standards, construction works of such nature take a minimum of six-eight weeks.
“The completion of the rapid exit way is critical to the taxi way becoming fully operational. As soon as the construction works are completed, the airport will revert to regular scheduled operations.
“The current administration, led by His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, is dedicated to maximizing the state’s potential in the aviation industry. The MRO and other critical infrastructure at the airport are currently receiving priority attention and the contractors are on site working assiduously to ensure timely completion. Significant resources have been committed and this reflects the current reality in our state.
“The general public is assured of the safety of Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA), and commentators are encouraged to seek updated information before making public statements on related matters.”