Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Friday received two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft for Ibom Air, aiming to drive substantial returns on the state’s public investments. Leading the ceremony, Governor Eno confirmed that the state government fully funded the acquisition of the aircraft, 5N-CED and 5N-CEE, without loans or financial assistance, underscoring his administration’s commitment to investment strategies that yield direct benefits rather than servicing debts to financial institutions.
The governor commended Ibom Air’s role in Nigeria’s aviation industry and called on its management to deliver profitability by 2025, justifying the investment of state funds. He also urged the airline to prioritize the travel needs of Akwa Ibom residents by ensuring uninterrupted Uyo-bound and departing flights.
Highlighting other major projects, Governor Eno noted the soon-to-be-commissioned 18-storey complex in Lagos, plans for a state-owned 4-star hotel in Abuja, an international market in Ikot Ekpene, and the partial operational launch of the Victor Attah International Airport’s new terminal in December, set for full activation by 2025.
“Between now and the first quarter of next year, we will be flagging off a four-star Hotel in Abuja because we are determined to turn all our moribund property to commercial use. By next year, the MRO behind us will have been completed. We are putting in so much money already, and we are at 95 per cent completion. In December, we are going to partially open the brand new international terminal and then it will be fully opened by the first quarter of next year.”
“As long as I remain Governor, we will continue to use the state’s money for the generality of our people. We will not put the money in a few pockets. We will rather put the money into things that will benefit all of us. So we will continue to put money together to fund our critical infrastructure.
“For the Ibom towers in Lagos, we will make sure that we don’t borrow a dime, and we will finish in 24 months by the grace of God. To Ibom Air, while we thank you for your wonderful management team, we urge you that from 2025, we must begin to receive profits from the operations of Ibom Air. We must begin to receive profits so that our investment will be worth the while.” Eno said.
In a related update, Governor Umo Eno visited the Ibom Aviation Village site, announcing that construction on the project will begin in two weeks. Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Speaker, Udeme Otong, praised the governor’s prudent financial management and business-focused governance, noting that Eno has launched numerous initiatives in the past eighteen months without seeking loan approval from the Assembly.
Chairman of Ibom Air Limited, Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, expressed gratitude to Akwa Ibom residents and Nigerian travelers for their continued support, highlighting that the fleet expansion to nine aircraft will enhance the Uyo-Lagos-Abuja routes. Ibom Air CEO, Captain Mfon Udom, thanked the governor for bolstering the airline’s growth and said the additional aircraft will allow for greater capacity and frequency during the Christmas season.
HRM Edidem Ita Edet Okokon III, Paramount Ruler of Okobo LGA, lauded Governor Eno’s approach to leadership and pledged ongoing support from the traditional institution. Group Manager of Marketing and Communications for Ibom Air, Anie Essienette, also noted the rising national demand for Ibom Air’s services, emphasizing that the acquisition of the two CRJ900 aircraft, in anticipation of nine additional Airbus models, significantly strengthens the airline’s capacity to meet its passengers’ needs.
