By Glory James
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commended the Victor Attah International Airport’s compliance to COVID-19 guidelines and protocols ahead of its re-opening to non-essential business services after weeks of inactivity due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The hint, which came shortly after the Federal Government relaxed ban on interstate travel and also announced resumption of domestic flight, was given on Tuesday in Uyo by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.
According to the Special Duties Commissioner, the commendation came during an on-the-spot inspection by the Adebayo Oladipo-led NCAA Team to ascertain the airport’s Safety, COVID-19 Compliance Guideline and Protocols in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
He further said the Team was impressed by the efforts and preparedness of the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) to operate, maintaining that “the huge investment of the State Government in the facility, especially in making it COVID-19 Protocol compliant, has paid off.”
Rt. Hon. Etteh, however, said “all gaps and recommendations of the NCAA on the facility will be accorded priority to ensure that the airport remains the most preferred in the country.”
Speaking, Mr Oladipo said the Team was on ground to ascertain the airport’s compliance to COVID-19 guidelines and protocols and to also check other facilities at the airport.
Areas inspected by the Team included the Main Entrance Gate to the airport, Power Sub-Station, Control Tower, Fire Fighting Station, Ambulances, Airside and Emergency Services, Departure and Arrival Check-in Cue Area, Departure Waiting Area, Holding Rooms for Suspected COVID-19 cases before evacuation as well as Markings and Instructions on Seats and Floors in the open area and Canteens.
The NCAA Team was received and attended to by the Chairman of Ibom Airport Development Company Limited, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga; the Managing Director, Mr. Uwem Ekanem, and the Airport Manager, Mrs. Aniema Victor.
In his remarks, Mr. Ekanem thanked the Adebayo Oladipo-led NCAA Team for the visit and promised to adhere to all compliance protocols.
