Nigeria, May 4 -- Governor Umo Eno has said the newly attained international status of Victor Attah International Airport will improve regional connectivity and reduce the need for Nigerians to transit through other countries to access destinations within West Africa.

Mr Eno spoke on Sunday after returning from the airport's maiden international flight to Ghana, describing the development as a significant step for both the state and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.

"We cannot succeed in tourism if we don't have a functional airport. Now, we have gone international, and through Akwa Ibom, we can travel to other countries in the sub-region without having to go out of Nigeria," he said.

The upgrade follows federal approval for the airport...