The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt with PH Airport Limited, following assurances from the concessionaire that the arrangement would not result in job losses.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the office of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
The Federal Government delegation was led by Keyamo, while PH Airport Limited was represented by its Group Managing Director, Eyo Asuquo.
The signing followed a meeting between the minister and aviation labour unions to address concerns surrounding the concession, particularly its implications for airport workers.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Comrade Ben Nnabue said organised labour had endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances that no aviation worker would lose their job as a result of the concession.
He explained that job security remained a major concern for the unions but noted that they were satisfied with the commitments made by the concessionaire before giving their approval.
Also speaking, Asuquo highlighted Port Harcourt’s strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea, describing the airport as a potential gateway for regional trade, investment and connectivity.
He said PH Airport Limited was committed to upgrading the airport’s infrastructure and operational standards, stressing that the concession was expected to generate additional employment opportunities rather than lead to job cuts.
According to him, the company’s vision goes beyond managing the airport facility to expanding airport-related activities, attracting private investment and unlocking the airport’s wider economic potential.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; ministry directors and aviation union leaders were among those who attended the signing ceremony.
The concession agreement was subsequently executed by the concessionaire and relevant ministry officials, with Keyamo presiding over the ceremony.
The Federal Government said the agreement forms part of its broader efforts to attract private-sector investment, technical expertise and improved management practices into the development and operation of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has pursued reforms aimed at modernising airport facilities, improving operational efficiency and strengthening the aviation sector’s contribution to economic growth.
The Port Harcourt airport concession is expected to enhance passenger experience, improve service delivery, upgrade airport infrastructure and attract fresh investment to the facility.
