AKWA IBOM DISMISSES MONOPOLY CLAIMS AS AIR PEACE PREPARES TO BEGIN FLIGHTS

The Akwa Ibom State Government has denied allegations that it restricted other airlines from operating at the state-owned Victor Attah International Airport.

Ibom Air has been the only airline operating in the state since its launch in 2019, raising concerns and speculation about a possible monopoly.

However, speaking at a ministerial press briefing at Government House, Uyo, on Monday, the Honorary Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Aviation and Airport Development, Engineer Uwem Ekanem, said the state government had opened the sector to other airline operators.

Ekanem disclosed that discussions were ongoing with ValueJet to begin operations in the state, while arrangements had been finalised for Air Peace to commence flights at the airport on October 23.

He dismissed claims that Ibom Air enjoyed a monopoly, expressing optimism that the entry of other airlines would expand operations at the state’s aviation hub.

“The speculation that Ibom Air has a monopoly is wrong. We are in talks with ValueJet, and hopefully, it will come in,” he said.

He added that Air Peace’s planned commencement of operations would create opportunities for other airlines to establish a presence in the state.

Meanwhile, the supervising commissioner for the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Emem Almond Bob, attributed delays in the Ibom Deep Seaport project to insufficient investment.

Bob said the state had obtained the necessary approvals from the Federal Government but was still seeking investors to facilitate the project’s commencement.

He explained that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the project’s feasibility study, stressing that the state government could not undertake the development alone.

According to him, Governor Umo Eno has been engaging prospective investors during his trips, while discussions aimed at securing the required investment remain ongoing.