By Ekaette Okon-Joseph
Three years into his administration, Governor Umo Eno has intensified investments in aviation and transportation infrastructure, positioning the sectors as critical drivers of economic growth, regional connectivity and investment attraction in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during his third anniversary address at Government House, Uyo, on Saturday, Eno said his administration had adopted transportation development as a strategic component of the ARISE Agenda, with major investments in roads, bridges, aviation infrastructure and mass transit systems aimed at expanding economic opportunities across the state.
The Governor disclosed that his administration has commissioned and or commenced construction of approximately 1,300 kilometres of economically viable roads and 40 bridges across various parts of the state. He noted that the projects were designed to improve access to rural communities, facilitate movement of agricultural produce and enhance commercial activities.
According to him, road infrastructure remains central to the government’s rural development strategy, helping to connect communities to markets, healthcare facilities, schools and other public services while creating an enabling environment for business growth.
In the aviation sector, Eno highlighted the successful operation of the state’s maiden international flight from the new terminal building of the Victor Attah International Airport to Accra, Ghana, describing the development as a major milestone in Akwa Ibom’s journey toward becoming a preferred destination for business, tourism and investment.
The governor said the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, has continued to strengthen its position within Nigeria’s aviation industry through strategic fleet expansion. He revealed that the state government had acquired and fully paid for two CRJ900 Bombardier aircraft, with an Airbus A220-300 aircraft expected to join the airline’s fleet later this year.
He explained that the expansion would enhance operational efficiency, increase route capacity and support the airline’s plans to commence international flight operations, further boosting the state’s connectivity with regional and global markets.
Beyond aircraft acquisition, Eno said the administration had invested substantially in complementary aviation infrastructure, including the Aviation Village, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility, airport taxiway expansion, perimeter fencing and a world-class medical facility within the airport corridor.
The Governor also announced that the first batch of 50 Compressed Natural Gas buses would arrive in the state in June as part of efforts to establish a modern, affordable and environmentally sustainable public transportation system. He added that construction work on what has been described as one of the largest bus terminals in the region was progressing steadily.
He noted that the transportation initiatives were deliberately designed to support economic expansion by reducing travel costs, improving mobility, attracting private investment and creating jobs across multiple sectors of the economy. According to him, transportation infrastructure serves as a catalyst for trade, tourism, industrial growth and social development.
As the administration marks its third anniversary, analysts say the combination of expanded road networks, growing aviation assets and modern public transportation projects reflects a broader strategy to transform Akwa Ibom into a connected economic hub. With several projects nearing completion and others already delivering results, the state is increasingly leveraging transportation infrastructure as a foundation for long-term growth and competitiveness.
