Akwa Ibom Governor Demands Results: Airport Must Take Off by April 1

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has directed the inter-ministerial committee overseeing the international airport status of the Victor Attah International Airport to ensure all outstanding requirements are completed ahead of the facility’s full take-off in April 2026.

The Federal Government had upgraded the airport to international status last year, paving the way for Akwa Ibom to begin handling international passenger traffic this year. Governor Eno said the state must now move swiftly to meet every operational benchmark before the official launch.

At the same time, the governor charged another inter-ministerial committee to enforce the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), stressing that financial discipline remains non-negotiable.

Governor Eno issued the directives on Monday while inaugurating both committees shortly after signing into law the ₦1.585 trillion 2026 budget during an enlarged State Executive Council meeting.

In a statement released Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, the inauguration was described as a strategic move aimed at strengthening governance, improving financial accountability, and accelerating the delivery of major development projects across the state.

Airport implementation committee

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, with members including Hon. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties; Mr George Uriesi, Managing Director of Ibom Air; Engr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties; and Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, Accountant-General.
The Managing Director of the Airport Development Authority, Mr Uwem Ekanem, will serve as secretary.

TSA implementation committee

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on TSA–IGR is chaired by Mr Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance. Members include Mr Uko Udom (SAN), Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy; Mr Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Dr Ubong Inyang, Commissioner for Lands; and Dr Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.
The Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Okon Okon, will serve as secretary.

Governor Eno expressed confidence in the committees, saying their experience and expertise would help drive infrastructure growth and strengthen the state’s financial stability.

“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the full commencement of operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026,” the governor said.

On the TSA, Governor Eno delivered a firm warning against financial indiscipline, insisting that no government agency is permitted to operate an independent account.

“No agency is allowed to own its own stand-alone account. All revenue must be generated and spent through one account. That is the only way we can maintain transparency and properly track our resources,” he said.

He added that any attempt to bypass the TSA would attract serious consequences, stressing that all funds must flow into the Treasury Single Account, after which MDAs would receive approved percentages for running costs.

“With a budget of about ₦1.5 trillion, we need these funds to work for the good of our people,” he said.

Governor Eno also revealed that Akwa Ibom State currently owes no bank in Nigeria and has no plans to borrow unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

“We know there may be deficits from federation account projections, but we do not intend to borrow. If we remain honest, transparent, and fully committed to the TSA, we will have more than enough resources to execute this budget,” he said.