Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has taken delivery of two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft for the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, with assurances that his administration will expedite actions towards optimum returns on investment of public funds and assets within and outside the state.
Eno, who led Akwa Ibom people in a joyous reception of the two aircraft labelled 5N-CED and 5N-CEE, touched down at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo on Friday.
He affirmed that the acquisition was funded in full by the state government, without any loan or facility from any financial institution.
The governor said that the step is in line with his administration’s determination to break the vicious cycle of state government investments existing only to settle debts in favour of financial institutions.
He added that his administration will rather explore ventures that would ensure returns on investment to the state.
The governor lauded the impressive performance of Ibom Air in Nigerian aviation industry, and tasked the management to ensure the airline declares profit in 2025 to justify the investment of the state funds.
Eno urged the management of Ibom Air to prioritise the flight need of Akwa Ibom travellers by ensuring Uyo inbound and outbound flights are not truncated.
“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 completions.
“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 few pockets.
“We will rather put the money in 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 the 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 the Ibom Air.
“We must begin to receive profits, so that our investment will be worth the while,” Eno said.
In his remarks, the CEO of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom said that the two new aircraft have come in to increase capacity of the Airline in readiness for Christmas.
Usom assured of increased frequency and efficiency and commended the governor for his commitment to the growth of the state-owned airline.
The Group Manager, Marketing and Communications, Ibom Air, Mrs Aniekan Essienette, said the demand for services of Ibom air across the nation has become quite huge.
Essienette said the two CRJ900 will boost the company’s capacity to meet the demands of its teeming passenger base.
Ibom Air: Eno affirms commitment to ensuring returns for investment
