Keyamo signs off Enugu airport concession to Aero Alliance Limited

Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially approved the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The agreement, structured as a Public-Private Partnership with Aero Alliance Limited, marks a significant step in modernizing the nation's aviation infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda."

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This concession plan has been on for about twenty years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Before now, investors focused mainly on Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports. Nobody was interested in Enugu and Port Harcourt. Today, Enugu has been successfully concessioned and Port Harcourt will also be handed over within the next few weeks.

The signing ceremony, attended by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and representatives from various aviation bodies, signifies the formal transfer of operational and management responsibilities. Keyamo described the concession as a "breakthrough," noting that previous attempts to privatize the airport had failed for approximately twenty years. He highlighted that investor interest had previously concentrated on Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, but Enugu's successful concession, with Port Harcourt to follow soon, demonstrates a shift.

Keyamo praised Governor Mbah's crucial role in facilitating the project, stating that despite belonging to a different political party, Mbah received full support from President Tinubu. The minister emphasized that the concession boosts investor confidence, with bids already being prepared for three additional airports nationwide.

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Governor Peter Mbah came into the office with a clear plan. Despite belonging to a different political party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed me to give him every necessary support. He brought investors to the table, and we have found in Governor Peter Mbah the perfect partner for this project.

Addressing concerns from aviation employees, Keyamo assured that their welfare would be protected. He stated that while labor unions had previously challenged the concession program, they have since withdrawn their cases after understanding the ministry's intentions. The airport will now be privately managed with a strong emphasis on efficiency, accountability, and service delivery, signaling a change from "business as usual" for employees.

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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