BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Government has officially handed over the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession.
This is a major step in its drive to modernise Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and attract private investment into the aviation sector.
The concession agreement was signed on Thursday at the airport’s new terminal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who described the development as a historic breakthrough after more than two decades of unsuccessful attempts to concession the airport.
Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo said the successful concession reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to improving airport operations through private sector participation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that previous investors had focused largely on Lagos, Abuja and Kano airports, leaving Enugu and Port Harcourt without significant interest.
“This concession plan has been on for about twenty years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Today, Enugu has been successfully concessioned and Port Harcourt will also be handed over within the next few weeks,” the minister said.
According to him, the successful transaction has boosted investor confidence, with bids already being prepared for three additional airports across the country.
Keyamo commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for facilitating the investment, saying the governor played a critical role in bringing investors to the project.
He disclosed that President Tinubu directed the ministry to support the governor’s efforts despite political differences, describing Mbah as “the perfect partner” for the initiative.
Addressing concerns over the welfare of airport workers, the minister assured employees that their jobs and interests would be protected under the concession arrangement.
He explained that aviation unions which initially challenged the concession programme in court had withdrawn their cases after engaging with the government.
Keyamo, however, stressed that the new management would place greater emphasis on efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery.
He urged Aero Alliance Limited to justify the confidence reposed in it, noting that its performance would serve as a benchmark for future airport concessions across the country.
The minister also revealed that the Enugu State Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate a direct air link between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, a move expected to boost trade, tourism and investment in the South-East.
Following the minister’s remarks, concession documents were signed, formally transferring the airport’s operational and management responsibilities to Aero Alliance Limited.
Governor Peter Mbah described the concession as a transformative development that aligns with his administration’s vision of positioning Enugu as a leading aviation, logistics and investment hub in West Africa.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and aviation stakeholders, including representatives of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and Aero Alliance Limited.
The concession is expected to usher in increased private investment, improved infrastructure, enhanced passenger experience and more efficient airport operations.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
