On Saturday, at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, former Senate President Bukola Saraki officially opened the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a new international smart terminal Structure.
The MRO facility, which is reportedly equipped to maintain two Boeing 747 aeroplanes at once, is also reportedly the first of its sort in Africa, done by any sub-national.
In order for the facilities to operate efficiently, Saraki commissioned the projects and requested that the federal government provide the required funding and timely clearances.
He praised the outgoing governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for his vision in bringing technologies that would make Akwa Ibom, and consequently Nigeria, the centre for aviation repair in Africa.
The new International Smart Terminal Building, the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul hanger, and the new Taxiway, which will also function as a second runway, were among the projects Mr. Udom Emmanuel mentioned as scheduled for opening at the airport.
He said that his administration started and finished every project, with the exception of the MRO, as part of its all-encompassing approach to aviation development.
Governor Emmanuel stated, “We give God all the glory. This wonderful sight is part of our resolve to make Akwa Ibom a major aviation centre in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Speaking at the event, the MRO project’s creator and former governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah, praised Governor Udom Emmanuel’s innovative initiatives in the aviation sector and claimed they would bring in foreign revenue for Akwa Ibom.
Obong Attah also praised Governor Udom Emmanuel’s prudence in bringing in modern amenities that would further set Akwa Ibom apart as a travel destination in the international aviation sector.
He pointed out that the MRO, which is the first aircraft maintenance facility to be created in Africa and would draw traffic in the aviation industry to the state, is capable of servicing two Boeing 747 aircraft at once.
