Second Ibom runway for inauguration next year – Udom

The second runway at the Ibom International Airport meant to boost cargo services will be for inauguration next year, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has said.

Speaking when he inspected the project, the governor said the international terminal at the airport would be designed to meet standard specifications, adding that the technical partners to handle the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) unit would soon be engaged.

The runway is being handled by Gitto Construction Company and is expected to serve as a “perfect alternative in addressing emergencies” and capable of generating returns on the investment.

Udom, who reiterated his administration’s resolve to strengthen the economic fortune of the state, announced the creation of a marketing and branding department, which he said would highlight the investment potentials and attract investors to the state.

He assured that he would not rest on his oars until the vision of his divine mandate was actualised.

He solicited for collaboration between the people and the security agencies to make the state conducive, stating that next year would  witness influx of people to the state as more investors had indicated interest to open shops in the state and called on the people to keep faith with the administration as it sought to implement the industrial agenda.

The project manager, Ghanem Rasbieh, thanked the state government for giving the company opportunity to take part in the building of the runway and assured that the company would complete the project as stipulated in the contract.

Meanwhile, the management of the airport has increased toll fee payable by motorists by 100 percent. In a statement made available to the media, it said motorists using the airport would now pay N200 instead of N100 that was paid for taxis before while users of other brands of vehicle who used to pay N200 would now be paying N400. The management did not say why the increase was necessary.