Tinubu Inaugurates Victor Attah Airport Terminal

The President described his visit to Akwa Ibom as a homecoming, while commending successive administrations for sustaining the state’s aviation ambitions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the international terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, commending Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the aviation development vision initiated by former governor Victor Attah.

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Tinubu performed the inauguration on Friday, November 6, 2026, shortly after arriving in the state for an official visit to commission several projects delivered by the Eno administration.

Speaking at the airport, the President described Akwa Ibom as a homecoming destination, recalling his professional years in the state when he worked as an auditor with Mobil.

He said his connection with the state made the visit particularly meaningful, while expressing appreciation for the contributions of successive administrations to its development.

Tinubu also recognised the role of former governor Victor Attah, after whom the airport was named, in conceiving the aviation project.

He described the terminal’s inauguration as an example of how continuity in governance could help transform long-standing development ambitions into completed infrastructure.

The President particularly praised Eno for sustaining the project and securing federal approval for international flight operations.

“Governor Umo Eno, you are a great man of conscience, commitment and vision for continuing this airport and making it a reality today.

When you approached me for permission to grant international flight operations, I didn’t hesitate. I read the memo and gave my consent,” Tinubu said.

He added that the airport would improve connectivity, encourage economic activity and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s links with other parts of Nigeria and the international community.

The inauguration represents another stage in the state’s aviation development programme, which has involved successive administrations since the project was conceived under Attah.

The airport’s development began during Attah’s tenure, with construction continuing under his successor, Godswill Akpabio.

The administration of Udom Emmanuel later established Ibom Air in 2019 and pursued further aviation infrastructure, including the development of a modern terminal.

Eno’s administration has continued the expansion, with the international terminal and other supporting facilities forming part of its aviation development agenda.

The Federal Government approved Victor Attah International Airport for international flight operations in November 2025 following engagements between the state government and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

However, the planned commencement of international operations encountered delays in 2026 because some supporting facilities were not ready.

Freshupdate reported in April that the proposed April 1 start date had been postponed over outstanding infrastructure requirements.

The airport project has also attracted public scrutiny over its funding and previous commissioning.

Premium Times reported that the state allocated a combined ₦59.65 billion to the international terminal across its 2023 revised, 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets.

The newspaper also reported that former Senate President Bukola Saraki had commissioned the terminal on May 26, 2023, shortly before the end of Emmanuel’s administration. In May 2025, Eno said he inherited the facility at almost 40 per cent completion.

These developments highlight the distinction between the airport’s earlier construction and the latest inauguration, which comes as the state seeks to complete and operationalise the facilities required for international aviation services.

The terminal inauguration was part of Tinubu’s wider programme in Akwa Ibom, which included the International Airport Hospital and Ibom Aviation Village, alongside road infrastructure and other state projects.

The President was also scheduled to attend a reception and political gathering at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before continuing his two-state visit to Rivers State.

For Akwa Ibom, the airport project remains central to efforts to expand tourism, attract investment and improve access to the state.

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Its long development history also reflects the role of successive administrations in carrying forward major infrastructure projects beyond individual tenures.