Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has appointed Uwem Ekanem as Special Adviser on Aviation and Airport Development, assigning him immediate oversight of the state’s newly created Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development.

The appointment, effective May 4, 2026, comes as the state moves to strengthen its aviation sector and expand airport infrastructure.

In a statement signed by Enobong Uwah, the State Government said Ekanem would lead the ministry pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner.

Before his elevation, he served as Head of Airport Operations (2015–2019), overseeing safety, security, and service delivery at the Victor Attah International Airport.

Earlier, he was Principal Commercial Officer (2009–2015), where he drove revenue growth, managed concessions, and coordinated commercial development for the airport.

He also worked with Virgin Nigeria Airways Ltd as Airport Manager in Calabar (2006–2009), and began his aviation career with Aviation Development Company Plc, where he rose from Traffic and Ticketing Officer to Station Manager between 2003 and 2006.

He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Uyo, alongside selected professional certifications in aviation management and airport operations.

Industry observers say the appointment signals a push by the state government to consolidate recent gains and position Akwa Ibom as a competitive player in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

The creation of the new ministry is part of broader efforts to improve efficiency, attract investment, and enhance the state’s capacity to manage growing air traffic and related economic opportunities.