The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has signed the formal concession agreement for Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State, marking a major milestone in the Federal Government’s aviation sector reform agenda.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Abuja. The minister received a joint delegation from the Enugu State Government and Aero Alliance, the concessionaire.
The Enugu State delegation was led by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, while the Aero Alliance team included Engr. Chuks Aniekwe, Barrister Oyiwodu Okibe-Oga, Onyedikachi Nwachukwu, Kester Enwereonu, and Barrister Michael Nwaechie of Ivy Solicitors.
Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adams Kofarmata; the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; FAAN’s Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Bridget Iwinose Gold; and other senior officials of the ministry and FAAN.
The agreement underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through strategic public-private partnerships.
Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo described the signing as the culmination of a rigorous and transparent process that began several years ago and received Federal Executive Council approval on July 31, 2025.
“Today marks the end of a very long and painstaking process regarding the concession of the Enugu Airport. Following the approval of the Federal Executive Council, the Ministry, FAAN and Aero Alliance engaged in extensive negotiations to ensure all contractual and operational concerns were addressed,” the minister said.
He emphasised that protecting workers’ welfare was a central focus of the negotiations, including consultations with aviation unions.
“We ensured that the rights and privileges of workers were fully preserved. No worker has been retrenched, their terms and conditions of service remain unchanged, and they continue as employees of the Federal Government and FAAN,” Keyamo said.
According to the minister, safeguarding jobs and staff interests formed a core pillar of the concession framework.
He added that while the main concession agreement has been concluded, two outstanding operational matters, security charges and the airport’s financial model will be resolved in the coming weeks to ensure seamless implementation.
“There are two minor operational issues to be addressed after signing, relating to security fees and the financial structure of the airport. These will be resolved shortly,” he said.
Keyamo described the signing as a historic step that will reposition Akanu Ibiam International Airport for improved efficiency, enhanced service delivery, and a better passenger experience.
The concession is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to attract private investment, upgrade aviation infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity, and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aviation industry.
