FG Hands Over Enugu Airport to Private Operator After 20-Year Concession Push

The Federal Government has formally transferred the operation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu, to Aero Alliance Limited, bringing to an end nearly two decades of efforts to concession the facility.

The handover took place on Thursday at the airport's new terminal in Enugu, where government officials, aviation stakeholders and representatives of the concessionaire gathered to mark the commencement of private management of the airport.

Among those in attendance were the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aero Alliance Limited, Saleem Aman Ullah Abdulhussain.

Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo described the concession as a landmark achievement in the Federal Government's drive to modernise Nigeria's aviation infrastructure and deepen private sector participation.

According to the minister, the concession process had remained unresolved for about 20 years until it was concluded under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

"This concession plan has been on for about twenty years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," Keyamo said.

He noted that while investors had traditionally focused on Lagos, Abuja and Kano airports, the successful concession of the Enugu airport had significantly boosted investor confidence in other airports across the country.

"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," he said.

The minister disclosed that preparations were already underway for the concession of three additional airports, following the positive response generated by the Enugu project.

Keyamo also praised Governor Peter Mbah for his role in attracting investors and facilitating the concession process, describing him as a strategic partner in the project.

"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," he said.

Addressing concerns about the impact of the concession on airport workers, Keyamo assured employees that their welfare would be protected under the new management structure.

He, however, stressed that the era of inefficiency was over, saying the airport would now be managed with greater emphasis on accountability, operational efficiency and improved service delivery.

"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," the minister said.

He urged Aero Alliance Limited to justify the confidence reposed in it, noting that the company's performance would serve as a benchmark for future airport concession programmes across Nigeria.

Keyamo also announced that the Enugu State Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate direct flight operations between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, as part of efforts to strengthen trade, tourism and investment opportunities in the South-East.

Following the minister's remarks, concession documents were formally signed and operational control of the airport was officially handed over to Aero Alliance Limited.

Governor Mbah described the concession as a transformative step that aligns with his administration's vision of positioning Enugu as a leading aviation, logistics and investment hub in West Africa.

The latest development follows the concession agreement signed by Keyamo and Aero Alliance Limited on January 22, clearing the path for Thursday's formal transfer of the airport's operations.