The Akwa Ibom state commissioner of special duties, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh has revealed that Governor Udom Emmanuel is committed to timely completion of work at the Maintenance, Repairs, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.

The facility is expected to enhance the status of the airport as an internationally recognised gateway.

In a statement sent on Wednesday, February 10, Rt. Hon. Etteh said Governor Emmanuel's administration was fully aware of the strategic advantage it will accord the state and nation in the sub-Saharan aviation sector.

Uyo airport to become aviation hub as Akwa Ibom begins installation of MRO facility

Governor Emmanuel . Photo credit: @MrUdomEmmanuel

His words:

“We want to assure you that His Excellency, the governor has this project as the apple of his eyes and he will do everything humanly possible to see to its final completion.”

He said the MRO has passed through the hands of two previous companies before the present one, saying the Emmanuel administration expects the project to be completed within the contractual duration given by the government.

He charged the contractor to bring to bear their wealth of experience in the project and commended them for the quality of the present state of the project as well as their cooperation with the ministry's supervising team.

Giving details of the MRO project, the project director, Mr. Kobus Marias, said the firm was trying to achieve a world-class facility that will help the government achieve its aim and also get good returns on investment.

He said the hanger was designed to service two B747-400 aircraft or four number B737/A320 to Q400/ATR42/72 aircraft.He said the firm was awarded the contract for the completion of the MRO after having completed the initial contract of erecting the VIP hanger at the airport and assured that the MRO completion phase, which started October 2020 will be completed in (14) fourteen months.

He added that work was currently in progress in the dormitory area, offices, and air conditioning equipment while the bulk of the work will be on the hanger floor construction.

He further said the MRO on completion shall have allied support shops such as paint, wheel and brake, landing, sheet metal /machine, battery, Hydraulic welding, cabin repair/overhaul shops, and many more facilities including a training theatre.

Meanwhile, the government has indicated its readiness to collaborate with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the area of aviation for the development of the state.

In a related development, Governor Emmanuel has promised to transform Akwa Ibom state into an aviation hub in the West African sub-region.This was highlighted when Governor Emmanuel had discussions with the High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria, Mr. Wendell Vincent Carlton De Landro, at Government House, Uyo last year.

He made the vow while announcing the arrival of the lastest Bombardier CRJ900 recently acquired by the state-owned airline - Ibom Air last year.