FG hands over Enugu airport under PPP deal

The Federal Government has officially transferred the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement. This deal is designed to rehabilitate, expand, and manage the airport, bringing it up to international standards and establishing it as a key aviation hub in Nigeria's South-East region.

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For 20 years, various governments have tried to concession some of our airports because of the belief that the private sector would run them more professionally and in a more commercially driven way.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, hailed the concession as a major achievement in the government's strategy to enhance airport infrastructure via private sector involvement. He noted that past efforts to concession airports in Enugu and Port Harcourt failed to attract investors, unlike those in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, which were highly sought after.

Keyamo highlighted a significant shift under the current administration, attributing it to increased investor confidence in the South-East's economic potential. "For 20 years, various governments have tried to concession some of our airports because of the belief that the private sector would run them more professionally and in a more commercially driven way," he stated. "During the previous administration, when almost all the airports were advertised for concession, all the bidders avoided Enugu and Port Harcourt airports. Everybody was rushing to Lagos, Kano, and Abuja because many people wanted ready food."

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During the previous administration, when almost all the airports were advertised for concession, all the bidders avoided Enugu and Port Harcourt airports. Everybody was rushing to Lagos, Kano, and Abuja because many people wanted ready food.

Conversely, Keyamo observed, "However, under the able leadership of President Bola Tinubu and under the visionary leadership of people like Dr Peter Mbah, the reverse is the case. Guess what? We have no bidder presently for Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. But Enugu and Port Harcourt are gone."

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However, under the able leadership of President Bola Tinubu and under the visionary leadership of people like Dr Peter Mbah, the reverse is the case. Guess what? We have no bidder presently for Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. But Enugu and Port Harcourt are gone.

Addressing concerns from labor unions, Keyamo assured workers that their interests and welfare are protected. He mentioned that unions, initially challenging the concession program, have withdrawn their cases after understanding the government's intentions. While emphasizing that efficiency, accountability, and service delivery will be paramount under private management, he reassured diligent workers that they have nothing to fear.

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When we came into office, all aviation labour unions were in court challenging the concession programme. One after another, they have withdrawn their cases after understanding our intentions. I want to assure workers that they are protected. However, it will no longer be business as usual. This airport will now be privately managed with a strong focus on efficiency, accountability, and service delivery. Those who perform their duties diligently have nothing to fear.