The federal government has officially transferred operation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited, signalling the completion of the facility’s concession after “two decades” of planning.
The handover was announced on Thursday during a ceremony at the airport’s new terminal attended by aviation stakeholders, government officials, and representatives of the concessionaire.
Among those present were Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development; Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu; Jobson Ewalefoh, director-general of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC); and Saleem Aman Ullah Abdulhussain, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Aero Alliance.
According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, special adviser to the minister on media and communications, the concession marks a major step in the federal government’s efforts to modernise airport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and attract private sector investment into the aviation sector.
Speaking at the event, Keyamo described the concession as a historic breakthrough, noting that plans to concession the airport had remained unresolved for about two decades.
“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
“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 successful concession of the Enugu airport has boosted investor confidence, adding that bids are already being prepared for three additional airports across the country.
Keyamo also commended Mbah for his visionary leadership and strategic role in attracting investors to the project.
“Despite belonging to a different political party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed me to give him every necessary support,” he said.
“He brought investors to the table, and we have found in Governor Peter Mbah the perfect partner for this project.”
The minister assured aviation workers that their welfare and interests would remain protected under the concession arrangement, while emphasising the need for improved efficiency and accountability.
“I want to assure workers that they are protected. However, it will no longer be business as usual,” Keyamo said.
“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.”
He urged Aero Alliance to justify the confidence reposed in it by the federal government, noting that its performance would serve as a benchmark for future airport concessions in Nigeria.
