FG Concessions Enugu Airport to Private Operator, Targets Port Harcourt Next

The Federal Government has officially handed over the management of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement aimed at modernising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and attracting private investment.

The concession agreement was signed on Thursday at the airport’s new terminal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, .

Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo described the agreement as a major milestone, noting that previous attempts to concession the airport had failed for more than two decades.

He attributed the breakthrough to the administration of President , saying renewed investor confidence has revived interest in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

“This concession plan has been on for about 20 years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the minister said.

According to him, investors had previously shown interest only in the Lagos, Abuja and Kano airports, but the successful concession of Enugu Airport has paved the way for similar arrangements at other airports.

He disclosed that the Port Harcourt International Airport would be concessioned within the next few weeks, adding that bids were already being prepared for three additional airports.

Under the agreement, Aero Alliance Limited assumes full operational and management responsibility for the airport, becoming one of Nigeria’s first airport concessionaires under the current reform programme.

Keyamo urged the company to deliver efficient and world-class airport services, stressing that its performance would serve as a benchmark for future airport concessions across the country.

The minister also commended Enugu State Governor, , for supporting the project and helping attract investors.

He further revealed that the Enugu State Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate direct flights between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, a move expected to boost trade, tourism and investment.

Addressing concerns over workers’ welfare, Keyamo assured airport employees that their rights would be protected under the concession agreement. He noted that although aviation labour unions initially opposed the programme in court, they later withdrew their suits after engaging with the Federal Government.

Governor Mbah described the concession as a significant step towards positioning Enugu as a regional aviation, logistics and investment hub in West Africa.

The concession forms part of the Federal Government’s wider airport modernisation programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve airport infrastructure, enhance passenger experience and increase the commercial viability of Nigeria’s aviation sector through private sector participation.