…Investor Promises Fresh Jobs, Infrastructure Upgrade
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the management and development of the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, with PH Airport Limited, assuring aviation workers that the arrangement will not lead to job losses.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and the Group Managing Director of PH Airport Limited, Mr Eyo Asuquo.
According to a statement by Keyamo’s Spokesman, Tunde Moshood, the development is another step in the government’s plan to attract private investment into the country’s airport infrastructure.
The signing followed a meeting between Keyamo and leaders of aviation labour unions, who were briefed on the concession arrangement and its likely implications for workers.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Comrade Ben Nnabue said organised labour had endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances that no aviation worker would lose his or her job because of the concession.
He said job security remained a major concern for the unions, adding that their support for the arrangement was based on the government’s confirmation that workers’ existing employment would be protected.
The unions’ endorsement is considered important to the implementation of the agreement, given concerns that transferring airport operations to private investors could affect existing workers and their conditions of service.
Addressing the gathering, Asuquo said Port Harcourt airport occupied a strategic position in Nigeria’s aviation and economic activities, particularly because of its location within the Gulf of Guinea.
He said the airport had significant potential to become a major gateway for regional trade, investment and passenger movement if its facilities and operations were properly developed.
The concessionaire, he said, was committed to improving the airport’s infrastructure, raising operational standards and expanding activities that could generate more economic opportunities.
Asuquo stressed that the company’s intention was not merely to take over the management of the airport but to transform it into a stronger economic and aviation hub.
He assured that the investment would create additional employment opportunities rather than displace existing workers.
According to him, improved facilities and increased commercial activities around the airport would open up opportunities for more businesses and create jobs for Nigerians.
The agreement was signed in the presence of key aviation officials, including the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, and the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku.
Also present were directors of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and leaders of aviation labour unions.
The minister presided over the formal signing after the consultations with organised labour, with the concessionaire and relevant ministry officials endorsing the agreement.
The Port Harcourt airport concession is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to involve private investors in the development and management of airport facilities, with the expectation that private-sector funding and expertise will improve service delivery.
Under the arrangement, the government is seeking to improve airport infrastructure, operational efficiency and passenger experience while attracting investments capable of supporting the growth of aviation-related businesses.
For passengers and businesses operating in the South-South region, improved airport facilities and services could strengthen connectivity, support commercial activities and make Port Harcourt a more attractive destination for investors.
The development also comes as the Federal Government pursues wider reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s airports and making the aviation sector a stronger contributor to economic growth.
However, the success of the concession will depend largely on the investor’s ability to deliver the promised improvements while maintaining industrial harmony and protecting the interests of existing workers.
With the agreement now signed and labour leaders expressing support, attention will shift to the implementation of the concession and the delivery of the promised infrastructure improvements, better services and additional employment opportunities.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
