Keyamo says landmark concession will transform aviation in the South-East as government prepares similar deals for more airports…..
The Federal Government has officially transferred the management of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, ending more than two decades of unsuccessful efforts to concession the airport.
The formal handover ceremony took place on Thursday at the airport’s newly completed terminal, marking what government officials described as a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s aviation sector and attracting greater private sector investment.
Speaking during the event, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said the concession represents a breakthrough for the country’s airport reform programme, noting that previous administrations had struggled for nearly 20 years to secure investors for the facility.
According to the minister, investor interest had traditionally been concentrated on airports in Lagos, Abuja and Kano, while Enugu and Port Harcourt received little attention.
“The concession process has been on the table for about twenty years, but it is only under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that it has become a reality,” Keyamo said.
He disclosed that the successful conclusion of the Enugu airport deal has encouraged fresh investor interest, adding that Port Harcourt International Airport is expected to be concessioned within the coming weeks, while proposals are already being prepared for three additional airports across the country.
Keyamo also praised Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for playing a key role in making the project a reality.
He said the governor actively engaged investors and worked closely with the Federal Government despite belonging to a different political party, describing the collaboration as an example of governance focused on development rather than politics.
Addressing concerns raised by aviation workers over the concession programme, the minister assured employees that their jobs and welfare would be safeguarded under the new management structure.
He noted that labour unions which initially challenged the airport concession policy in court had withdrawn their cases after engaging with the government.
While reassuring workers, Keyamo stressed that the airport would now operate under stricter standards of efficiency, accountability and service delivery, adding that only employees who fail to meet performance expectations should be concerned.
The minister also challenged Aero Alliance Limited to deliver results, saying its performance would shape public confidence in future airport concessions across Nigeria.
Beyond airport operations, Keyamo revealed that the Enugu State Government has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish direct flight services between Enugu and Guangzhou, China.
He said the planned international route is expected to strengthen trade ties, encourage tourism and attract new investments into the South-East.
Following the signing of the concession agreement, operational and management responsibilities for Akanu Ibiam International Airport were officially transferred to Aero Alliance Limited.
Governor Peter Mbah described the concession as a major boost to Enugu’s long-term economic ambitions, saying it supports the state’s vision of becoming a leading aviation, logistics and investment destination in West Africa.
According to him, the partnership between government and the private sector will drive infrastructure development, improve passenger experience and promote sustainable growth within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and stakeholders in the aviation sector, including representatives of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and executives of Aero Alliance Limited.
