Akwa Ibom State, often hailed as the “Land of Promise,” finds itself shrouded in an unsettling darkness when it comes to its air travel potential. The Victor Attah International Airport, a project initiated with grand ambitions, remains hobbled by a critical omission – the lack of landing lights. This seemingly minor detail has cascaded into a major setback, with former Governor Obong Victor Attah himself lamenting the lost revenue and stunted growth the state is facing.
Attah, who spearheaded the airport’s construction during his tenure, recently expressed his disappointment. The continued absence of landing lights at the airport is a huge missed opportunity,” he said. The state government is losing a fortune due to this.
The absence of landing lights restricts flights to daylight hours, severely limiting the airport’s functionality. Airlines are hesitant to operate routes that cannot guarantee nighttime landings, especially for longer distances. This translates to fewer flights, reduced passenger numbers, and a significant dent in revenue generation for the state.
Counting the Cost of Darkness
The financial repercussions of the missing landing lights are substantial. Akwa Ibom aspires to be a major commercial hub in the region, and a functional airport is a cornerstone of that ambition. Experts estimate that the state is losing millions of naira annually due to the limited flight capacity.
The ramifications extend beyond just immediate financial losses. Businesses are deterred from establishing a presence in Akwa Ibom due to the limitations on travel. Tourists, who could potentially inject millions into the state’s economy, are also discouraged by the lack of convenient flight options. Investors seeking to explore business opportunities may look elsewhere due to the logistical hurdles posed by the airport’s restricted hours.
Beyond Lost Revenue: A Ripple Effect on Development
The impact of the missing landing lights goes beyond monetary losses. Akwa Ibom is strategically located, bordering several other states and offering easy access to the Atlantic coastline. A fully functional airport could position the state as a vital link for trade, tourism, and investment.
The stunted air travel potential hinders the state’s ability to attract essential services and events. Conferences, exhibitions, and other large-scale gatherings often require convenient air travel options for participants. Without nighttime landings, Akwa Ibom loses out on hosting opportunities that could bring significant economic benefits.
The lack of a 24/7 operational airport also creates a sense of isolation. Business executives, investors, and even ordinary citizens seeking to travel beyond daylight hours are forced to look elsewhere, hindering the state’s overall growth and integration with the national and international landscape.
A Shadow Over Progress: Questions and Concerns
The continued absence of landing lights raises a number of questions. The project’s initial plans undoubtedly included provisions for this crucial infrastructure. What caused the delay, and why hasn’t the issue been addressed despite its evident impact?
There are concerns that the situation might be indicative of a larger problem – a lack of proper planning and foresight in the execution of the airport project. Transparency and accountability are paramount in regaining public trust. The Akwa Ibom State government needs to provide clear explanations for the current situation and a concrete plan for installing the landing lights as soon as possible.
A Glimmer of Hope: A Path Forward
Despite the current challenges, there is still hope for Akwa Ibom. The state government has the opportunity to rectify this situation and unlock the full potential of the Victor Attah International Airport.
Immediate action is required to initiate the installation of landing lights. This process should be expedited with clear timelines and progress updates communicated to the public. The government should also consider offering incentives to airlines to encourage them to resume nighttime operations once the landing lights are operational.
Investing in the airport’s infrastructure goes beyond just the landing lights. Upgrading facilities, improving passenger amenities, and streamlining operational processes will further enhance the airport’s appeal and functionality.
By taking decisive action, the Akwa Ibom State government can turn off the lights on this period of lost opportunity and illuminate a brighter future for the state. The Victor Attah International Airport has the potential to be a powerful economic engine, but only if it is allowed to operate at full capacity, both day and night. The time to act is now.
