Socio-Economic Opportunities and Challenges of the Victor Attah International Airport in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to investigate socio-economic opportunities and challenges of the Victor Attah International Airport in 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 “Socio-Economic Opportunities and Challenges Questionnaire (SOCQ)”. Data collected were analysed using frequency and simple percentage. Findings of the study revealed that airport prioritize the hiring and training of local residents, sustainability initiatives to reduce its environmental impact on the local area, provide support for local cultural, educational, or sporting events. Findings also showed that the presence of airport resulted in the displacement of local residents, rise in the cost of living and housing prices, pose health and safety risks to the local community, exacerbated income inequality and socio-economic disparities as well as loss of agricultural land. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended among others that the administrators and management of the Victor Attah’s International Airport should formulate a strategic plan to curb the environmental impact of the facility.