Igbo Leaders of Thought rejects handover of Enugu airport to private company

A prominent group of Igbo intellectuals, traditional rulers, and stakeholders, known as Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), has vehemently rejected the Federal Government's decision to hand over the management of Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu to a private concessionaire. The ILT has labeled the action by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration as a "grave act of injustice against Ndigbo" and an "escalation of the prolonged marginalisation of the South-East region."

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We will not allow this injustice to Ndigbo by the Tinubu Government to stand

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, officially transferred the airport's management to Aero Alliance Limited last Thursday. This Public-Private Partnership arrangement, facilitated by Enugu State Governor Peter Mba, grants the company a 30-year mandate for the airport's financing, rehabilitation, expansion, operation, and management. However, the ILT expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about transparency, inadequate consultation, labor rights, and the contract's duration.

In a strongly worded statement, the ILT warned that the withdrawal of Federal Government funding would inevitably compromise the airport's standards. They specifically pointed to potential negative impacts on safety infrastructure, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience. The group highlighted that Enugu International Airport is now the sole international airport among Nigeria's six to be managed by a private entity, while the Federal Government continues to fund the other five.

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another grave act of injustice against Ndigbo in Nigeria and further escalation of the prolonged marginalisation of the South-East region in the affairs of the nation.

The ILT also raised concerns about the concessionaire, Aero Alliance Limited, noting its lack of a visible track record in managing airports of similar magnitude, either within Nigeria or internationally. The group recalled that the process for the airport's concession had previously generated significant controversy and backlash, with issues surrounding transparency and sustainability remaining unresolved before the government proceeded with the transfer.

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withdrawal of Federal Government funding would definitely compromise the standard of the airport, including safety infrastructure, operational efficiency and passenger experience.