BY GODWIN OBI
The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, marking a major step in its plan to modernise aviation infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
The agreement was announced in a statement issued by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirming that representatives of Enugu State, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the concessionaire, Aero Alliance, were present at the signing.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the agreement as the culmination of a long and transparent process that spanned several years.
“Today marks the end of a very long and tedious process regarding the concession of the Enugu Airport. The process reached a major milestone on July 31, 2025, when the Federal Executive Council approved the proposal, subject to contract,” Keyamo said.
He explained that following the Federal Executive Council’s approval, extensive negotiations were held involving the ministry, FAAN and Aero Alliance, alongside consultations with aviation unions to safeguard workers’ interests.
According to the minister, the rights and job security of aviation workers were central to the concession framework.
“The rights and privileges of workers were uppermost in our considerations. No worker has been retrenched, their terms and conditions of service remain unchanged, and they continue to be employees of the Federal Government and FAAN,” he said.
Keyamo stressed that aviation workers had not been short-changed in any way, adding that their jobs were fully protected under the agreement.
He noted that while the core concession agreement had been concluded, some operational issues—particularly relating to security charges and the airport’s financial model—would be finalised in the coming weeks.
“However, as far as the main concession is concerned, we have agreed to concession the Enugu Airport to Aero Alliance,” the minister said.
Describing the development as a historic milestone, Keyamo said the concession would reposition the Enugu airport for greater efficiency, improved service delivery and a better passenger experience.
The concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform programme aimed at attracting private investment, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the aviation sector.
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