ENUGU — The Federal Government has officially handed over the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession arrangement. The agreement, signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, marks the successful conclusion of a project that had been stalled for over two decades.
A Landmark Infrastructure Milestone
The handover ceremony, held at the airport’s new terminal, was attended by Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and representatives from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). Minister Keyamo hailed the deal as a historic breakthrough under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope Agenda," noting that while previous administrations struggled to attract private interest to airports outside of Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, Enugu has now successfully secured a partner.
"Today, Enugu has been successfully concessioned, and Port Harcourt will also be handed over within the next few weeks," Keyamo announced, signaling a wider trend of private-sector-led aviation development across the country.
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Economic Growth and Connectivity
For Enugu State, the concession is a cornerstone of Governor Mbah’s vision to transform the region into a major aviation and logistics hub. The State Government has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate direct flights between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu, a move expected to significantly stimulate trade, tourism, and foreign investment in the South-East.
Addressing Worker Welfare
Responding to concerns regarding potential job losses, Minister Keyamo assured airport staff that their welfare remains protected. He emphasized, however, that the shift to private management would enforce higher standards of efficiency and accountability. "Those who perform their duties diligently have nothing to fear," he stated, noting that all aviation labour unions have since withdrawn their legal challenges against the concession program.
Future Outlook
Aero Alliance Limited now faces the task of setting the benchmark for airport concessions in Nigeria. As a pioneer concessionaire, the firm is expected to modernize facilities and improve passenger experiences, effectively paving the way for the government to finalize bids for three additional airports currently under consideration.
