By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Federal Government has said it would partner with Akwa Ibom State Government towards the realization and effective use of the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facility at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr Festus Keyamo who made the pledge after an inspection of the Victor Attah International Airport alongside Governor Umo Eno yesterday was effusive in his praise of the facilities he had seen.
“ This is an incredible facility you have here! One of the first things I identified when I came into office was the need for us to have a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, a world-class one and what I have seen here, meets that need.
“The potentials of this place are huge. It’s about 90-95 percent complete and by the time it becomes fully operational, I am very certain it will capture the whole of the markets in West and Central Africa and even up to North Africa and that’s what we have been looking for.
“One of the problems hampering the operation of the aviation sector in Nigeria has always been the lack of facilities such as this. Our aircrafts will go out of the country for maintenance and may be there for months. But with this facility, we can conserve foreign exchange so they may meet their international obligations.
“There are two projects currently ongoing here: The new International Terminal Building and of course the MRO. It’s not just a terminal building, what I am seeing here is a hub. It’s a proper hub where we can process international passengers and transfer them from one section to the ether for them to catch their international flights.”
The minister described the facility as a hidden jewel that would be beneficial to the development of the aviation industry in Nigeria and the sub region.
“What we have here is a hidden jewel, but it’s all for the good of our dear nation.
“This is so beautiful. I have never seen a subnational that is so dedicated, so committed to a project of this magnitude as much as Akwa Ibom State and God has blessed this State with successive Governors who have put their minds to this, and Governor Eno is the finisher and perfecter of this race.
“I just want to thank God for the people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria for blessing us with a facility such as this. By the time we do all our certifications, I am sure we will be ready for the world. This facility is not just for Akwa Ibom State alone, it is for Nigeria and Africa.” He said.
The Minister further stated that the International Terminal has met “all the standards to be certified an international airport. The dedication to this project has been phenomenal. I will mobilize all the agencies in my Ministry, all the regulatory bodies to make sure they give you 100 percent support and we are confident you will keep to international standards.
“The DG of NCAA is here and we stand ready to give you all our maximum support. I want to thank Governor Eno, for the passion he has shown towards this project since he came into office.” He added.
Earlier, the Governor who was accompanied by members of the State Executive Council, the Managing Director of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom and the Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi told the minister that the state already have an aviation ecosystem that Nigeria could work with and compete with the rest of Africa and indeed the world.
“We know and believe that whatever else remains to be done, the Honourable Minister will direct the appropriate agencies and departments under his Ministry to follow- through.
“We want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for being a great father of the nation and we remain dedicated to supporting and showing our loyalty to his government”, the Governor had stated while formally welcoming the Minister.
Our correspondent reports that facilities inspected at the airport include the MRO, the first of the 10 Airbus A220-300 Series that was recently delivered by Airbus and the new smart International Airport Terminal.
