Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, has expressed concern over the lack of landing lights at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.

This deficiency restricts the airport to daylight flights and often leads to flight diversions to nearby airports in Port Harcourt or Calabar.

Attah who highlighted the issue during an interview with newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday recounted his personal experience of a canceled flight from Lagos to Uyo due to the absence of runway lights, forcing the airport to operate only during daylight hours.

He emphasized the economic impact of this limitation, noting that night flights are crucial for most airports’ revenue. “This is your main gateway; how can you not ensure it serves its purpose? Night flights are what most airports depend on,” Attah stated.

Attah also criticized the state’s failure to complete the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Ibom airport, which he described as essential for the West African region. He expressed frustration over the stalled project, which had been supported by leading global authorities on MRO.

Reflecting on the past, Attah compared the current situation to the days when Nigeria lacked mobile telephone, causing people to travel to Calabar to make international calls. He stressed the importance of completing the Ibom deep sea port, initiated sixteen years ago, and lamented its delay, compared to the successful development of similar projects in Lekki and Badagry.

Additionally, Attah voiced his displeasure over the conversion of the University of Science and Technology, which he had established, into a conventional institution. He argued that the original concept of a research-based university focused on science and technology was more beneficial for the state.

Attah’s comments underscore his concerns about the missed opportunities and unfulfilled projects that could significantly enhance Akwa Ibom’s development and economic growth.