FG Hands Over Enugu Airport to Private Operator Under Concession Deal

June 26 () — The Federal Government has officially concessioned the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), marking a major step in its plan to modernise airport infrastructure and attract private investment into Nigeria’s 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.

The deal represents the first successful concession of the airport after more than two decades of unsuccessful attempts and is expected to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and commercial viability.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Keyamo said previous efforts to concession the airport had failed because investors focused mainly on Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports.

According to him, the successful transaction signals renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector, adding that concession processes for Port Harcourt International Airport and three other airports are already underway.

“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.

Under the agreement, Aero Alliance Limited will assume responsibility for the management and operation of the airport.

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

He also disclosed that the concession was achieved through collaboration with the Enugu State Government, praising Governor Peter Mbah for helping attract investors to the project.

The minister further revealed that the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate direct flights between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, a move expected to strengthen trade, tourism, and investment ties.

Addressing concerns about workers, Keyamo assured airport employees that their welfare would be protected under the concession agreement.

He noted that aviation unions had withdrawn legal actions against the programme after discussions with the government.

Governor Peter Mbah described the concession as a significant milestone in Enugu’s ambition to become a regional aviation, logistics, and investment hub.

The airport concession forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform programme aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing passenger experience, and increasing private sector participation in airport operations.