Impacts of the Victor Attah International Airport on Socio-Economic Development of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the impacts of the Victor Attah International Airport on socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. Two research questions were raised to guide this study. The research employed a quantitative research method. The projected population of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket LGAs in 2022 are 390,400, 180,500 and 220,600 respectively giving the total 791,500. Krejcie and Morgan Sample Determination Table was used for sample size determination. A sample of 384 respondents was used for the study according to Table and selected using stratified random sampling technique and simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a questionnaire titled “Impacts of the Victor Attah International Airport on Socio-economic Development Questionnaire (IVAIASDQ)”. Data collected were analysed using frequency and simple percentage. Finding showed that adequate infrastructure, employment opportunities and supports local small businesses, are the socio-economic indicators of Victor Attah International Airport. Finding revealed that Akwa Ibom State has diversified the economy with various industries (transportation, education, tourism and commerce), high unemployment rate reliable and affordable transportation options, population growth and in-migration. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended among others that the state government should continue to invest in the development of infrastructures in the Victor Attah’s International Airport to improve the quality of its services to meet the needs of the locals and the international standards.