By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Government has expressed confidence that the will commence international flight operations by April following the arrival of two Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs) at the airport’s new smart terminal.
The two extra-long boarding bridges, transported at a regulated speed of 25km per hour, arrived at the airport on Monday afternoon, three days after departing in Rivers State. Lighter components of the equipment had earlier arrived on Saturday.
The development marks a significant milestone in the state government’s aviation expansion drive.
Top government officials present to receive the equipment included the State Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob; Chairman of , Engr. Oliver Ebong; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso.
Speaking at the site, Emem Bob, who also supervises the Special Duties portfolio, said Governor remains committed to delivering a world-class airport facility. He expressed optimism that the terminal would become fully operational by the first week of April.
He commended the governor for sustaining efforts to complete the project and position Akwa Ibom as a regional and international aviation hub.
“Our Governor is renowned as the Governor with the finisher’s anointing, and he is demonstrating that in the completion of this airport. The project is fully funded by the state government, and no loans have been taken for projects currently being executed across the state,” he said.
Engr. Oliver Ebong also expressed satisfaction over the safe delivery of the equipment, describing the project as ambitious and transformative. He assured that the terminal would be ready for use by the end of March, ahead of the April target.
While conducting journalists around the facility, Ebong described the new terminal as one of the most technologically advanced in the country, equipped with sophisticated ICT infrastructure, reliable power supply, and modern security systems.
“Some of these equipment have never been brought into the country before, which made documentation during transit challenging. But we are pleased they have arrived safely,” he said.
