The Federal Government has officially completed the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The move marks a major breakthrough after more than two decades of unsuccessful efforts to attract private investment into the facility. FG concessions Enugu airport through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement aimed at improving operations, infrastructure and service delivery.
The handover ceremony took place at the airport’s new terminal, where aviation stakeholders gathered to witness the signing of the agreement with Aero Alliance Ltd.
Keyamo Hails Major Aviation Milestone
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the concession as a significant achievement for the Federal Government.
According to him, the agreement aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to modernise airport infrastructure and encourage private-sector participation in the aviation industry.
Keyamo explained that previous administrations had struggled to secure investors for the Enugu airport project despite several attempts.
He noted that investors traditionally preferred airports with stronger commercial traffic, particularly those located in Lagos, Abuja and Kano.
“This concession plan has been on for about 20 years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Keyamo said.
“Before now, investors focused mainly on Lagos, Abuja and Kano airports. Nobody was interested in Enugu and Port Harcourt. Today, Enugu has been successfully concessioned and Port Harcourt will also be handed over within the next few weeks.”
The minister said the successful completion of the deal demonstrates growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Government Targets More Airport Concessions
Following the successful handover, Keyamo disclosed that the government is already receiving interest for additional airport concession projects.
He revealed that preparations are underway for bidding processes involving three more airports across the country.
The minister said the Enugu concession could serve as a model for future partnerships between government and private investors.
Furthermore, he stressed that private-sector involvement remains critical to improving airport efficiency and attracting long-term investment into aviation infrastructure.
According to Keyamo, the Federal Government remains committed to creating an environment that encourages sustainable growth within the sector.
Aviation Workers Assured of Job Security
The minister also addressed concerns among aviation employees regarding the concession programme.
Over the years, labour unions and aviation workers have expressed fears that airport concessions could threaten jobs and employee welfare.
To ease those concerns, Keyamo assured workers that the new arrangement would protect their employment and existing welfare packages.
He recalled that aviation unions initially challenged airport concession plans in court. However, they later withdrew their legal actions after engaging in discussions with the Federal Government.
The minister said the government remains committed to maintaining constructive dialogue with labour groups as the concession programme expands.
At the same time, he urged Aero Alliance Ltd to justify the confidence placed in it by delivering measurable improvements at the airport.
According to him, the company’s performance will help shape public confidence in future concession projects.
Peter Mbah Sees Economic Opportunities
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah welcomed the development and described it as a transformative step for the state.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the concession aligns with Enugu’s ambition to become a leading aviation, logistics and investment destination in West Africa.
Mbah noted that improved airport operations could strengthen regional connectivity, attract new investments and support economic growth.
The minister also praised the governor for his role in facilitating investor interest in the project. He described Mbah as a valuable partner in the successful completion of the concession process.
The development comes amid renewed efforts to strengthen infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships across Nigeria.
Background to Nigeria’s Airport Concession Plans
Nigeria’s airport concession programme has faced several challenges over the years.
In 2022, the Federal Government initiated plans to concession four major airports. These included facilities in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.
However, aviation unions and industry associations strongly opposed the proposal. They raised concerns about transparency, labour issues and the overall structure of the agreements.
Despite the resistance, the government continued discussions with stakeholders while refining its concession strategy.
The successful handover of Akanu Ibiam International Airport now represents one of the most significant achievements under the programme.
Officials believe the project could encourage further investment and accelerate the modernisation of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
FG concessions Enugu airport after more than 20 years of unsuccessful attempts, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector. The handover of Akanu Ibiam International Airport to Aero Alliance Ltd highlights the government’s commitment to attracting private investment and improving airport operations. With plans for additional concessions already underway, the Enugu project may become a benchmark for future aviation infrastructure partnerships across the country.
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