Government Inspects Akwa Ibom Airport, As April Deadline For International Flight Draws Nearer

Government inspects Akwa Ibom Airport, as April deadline for international flight draws nearer. ‎The Akwa Ibom State Supervisory Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Emem Almond Bob, has again assured of the State’s readiness to begin international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport at the beginning of the second quarter of the year.
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‎The Commissioner spoke Thursday, after leading a delegation from the Ministry on an inspection tour of the entire airport facility.
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‎The inspection covered critical infrastructure and operational areas, including the access road within the terminal building, parking lot, apron, taxiway, security / operational perimeter fencing, Smart Internet installation, as well as the power transmission and transformer area and medium voltage power panels, among others.
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‎Bob, who earlier had a strategic technical meeting with all contractors and engineers on site to appraise the level of work done, said with the smooth pace of work, he was very optimistic that the April timeline would be met.
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‎He noted that the Governor was very committed to delivering the world class facility for international use within the stipulated timeframe, noting that the current level of progress gives confidence that the April timeline for international operations will be achieved.
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‎Commisioner Bob explained that as the supervising ministry in charge of the actualization of the new international airport terminal, it was within their oversight to regularly have a technical meeting with all the contracting firms to assess their quality of work and identify existing gaps.
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‎ “As a ministry, we are here today to inspect and assess key operational areas, identify infrastructure gaps, and ensure timely interventions to guarantee a seamless take-off of international flights,” the Commissioner stated
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‎Responding to questions from the media on whether the Committee on the Actualization of the Airport would visit the facility before the inaugural flight, the Commissioner explained that the Committee, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, was actively working.
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‎He noted that his presence at the site was in his capacity as the Supervisory Commissioner of the Ministry and assured that meetings would be convened as necessary to address areas of concern, adding that inspections would continue up to the very last day before the commencement of international operations at the airport.
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‎Taking the Commissioner around all components of the new terminal building, the Chairman of VKS Construction, Engr. Oliver Ebong highlighted that works were ongoing in all the areas requiring urgent attention to ensure full completion of the facility and assured that the terminal would be ready for use by the end of March.

Akwa Ibom Airport

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‎Recall that Governor Umo Eno had inaugurated a committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah to oversee the full implementation of the international status of the Victor Attah International Airport, following a technical assessment visit by a Federal Government team led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to commence the process of giving effect to the international operations at the airport.
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‎On the inspection were, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties. Engr. Ephraim Udosen; Managing Director, Airport Development Authority, Uwem Ekanem, Director of Project Implementation and Coordination, Arc. Ekawan Alale; Director of Geo-Technical Services, Mrs. Helen Daniel; Clark works for the Terminal Building, Arc. Christopher Enyekung among others.
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‎12 February, 2026.

CAS Aneke Commissions Personnel Accommodation In Abuja, Names Quarters After Former CAS

CAS Aneke commissions personnel accommodation in Abuja, names quarters after former CAS. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 13 February 2026 commissioned newly completed officers’ quarters at Karmo, Abuja, reinforcing the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to personnel welfare and enhanced operational readiness. The housing project comprises two blocks of three-bedroom flats, one block of 14 two-bedroom flats, two blocks of 12 one-bedroom flats, one block of six five-bedroom flats, and a block of 30 single studio apartments.

The quarters was named in honour of former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, in recognition of his contributions to the growth and transformation of the Service. Additionally, a newly constructed unit of 18 one-bedroom apartment as well as remodelled and renovated units of 6 four-bedroom airmen’s quarters were also commissioned at Yawuri.

Speaking at the ceremony, Air Marshal Aneke described the development as a strategic investment in human capital. He noted that providing quality accommodation for personnel and their families creates a stable and conducive environment that strengthens morale, focus, and professional performance.

“These officers’ and airmen/airwomen quarters are more than structures; they symbolise the resilience, discipline, and shared commitment that define the Nigerian Air Force,” he stated.

Personnel Accommodation

The CAS commended the engineers, contractors, and NAF personnel whose teamwork and dedication ensured the successful completion of the project. He urged personnel to remain steadfast and continue supporting ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the country.

Air Marshal Aneke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained support to the Service, emphasising that the commissioning reflects the NAF’s integrated approach of linking welfare with operational excellence in advancing national security objectives.

ADC Condemns Attempted Arrest Of El-Rufai, Warns Against Escalating Pattern Of Political Intimidation

ADC condemns attempted rrest of El-Rufai, warns against escalating pattern of political intimidation. The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has condemned the attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at an airport without presenting a warrant, warning that the move raises serious concerns about due process and political neutrality.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the incident reflects a troubling pattern of selective pressure against opposition figures under the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The ADC also decried what it described as a double standard in the anti-corruption fight, alleging that politically exposed persons are often embraced by the ruling party while critics face heightened scrutiny.

The full statement read:

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, strongly condemns the attempt by security operatives to arrest the former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the airport under circumstances that raise serious constitutional and democratic concerns.

While the ADC maintains its position that no individual is above the law, we state without equivocation that the law must never be weaponized against political opponents. What Nigerians are witnessing is increasingly difficult to separate from a broader and troubling pattern of pressure and selective enforcement directed at opposition voices under the watch of the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Reports indicate that security operatives lay in wait for Mallam El-Rufai at the airport with the apparent intention to effect an arrest, yet no warrant was presented at the time of the attempted action. If confirmed, this represents not merely a procedural lapse but a dangerous signal that due process is being treated as optional when opposition figures are involved.

Even more concerning is the widening perception that while opposition leaders are aggressively pursued, individuals with pending corruption allegations are welcomed into the APC with pomp and pageantry. To many Nigerians, it increasingly appears that once you cross into the ruling party, past sins are quietly swept away. This is precisely the kind of selective accountability that erodes faith in the rule of law and damages the moral authority of government.

While the African Democratic Congress reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, we will not accept selective targeting, intimidation, or harassment of leaders simply because they hold opposing political views. Accountability must be even handed, due process must be visible, and justice must never wear partisan colors.

El-Rufai

The APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must understand that the strength of a democracy is measured not by how it treats its allies, but by how it treats its critics. Nigeria has come too far, and sacrificed too much, to permit any slide toward the normalization of political intimidation.

We therefore call on all security and law enforcement agencies to remain conscious of their professional and constitutional. Nigerians deserve clear assurances that the coercive powers of the state will not be deployed, or perceived to be deployed, for partisan ends.

The ADC will continue to monitor developments closely and will not hesitate to act wherever democratic norms are threatened. Political competition in Nigeria must be settled through persuasion and the ballot, not through the shadow of selective law enforcement.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)