The Federal Government has officially signed off the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for concession under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement to Aero Alliance Limited. The landmark ceremony was held at the airport’s new terminal. The event marks another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising airport infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and attracting private sector investment into Nigeria’s aviation sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, a statement by the ministry disclosed on Thursday.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, described the concession as a historic breakthrough, revealing that plans to concession the airport had lingered for over two decades without success. “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 minister stated.
READ ALSO: Gov Mbah Unveils State-Owned Airline, Enugu Air He disclosed that the success recorded with the Enugu concession has sparked renewed investor confidence, with bids already being prepared for three additional airports across the country. The minister commended Governor Peter Mbah for his visionary leadership and strategic role in attracting investors to the project.
“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,” Keyamo said.
Speaking on labour concerns, the minister assured airport workers that their interests and welfare remain protected under the concession arrangement.