FG Signs Concession Agreement for Enugu Airport to Boost Infrastructure, Efficiency

The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, marking a major step in its plan to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector through public-private partnerships.

The agreement, signed in Abuja at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, hands operational responsibilities to Aero Alliance, a private sector concessionaire, under a 30-year concession framework approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), described the deal as a strategic move aimed at improving airport efficiency, expanding infrastructure, and easing the financial burden on government-managed airports. He said the concession will allow the private operator to complete critical unfinished projects, including the cargo terminal, and upgrade passenger facilities to international standards. Keyamo assured aviation workers that the concession will not result in job losses or changes to employment conditions. According to him, all existing airport staff will retain their positions under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), following consultations with labour unions to ensure workers’ rights are fully protected. Workers have not been retrenched. Their terms and conditions remain intact, and they continue as employees of the Federal Government and FAAN,” the minister said. While the agreement has been finalised, Keyamo noted that two outstanding issues — airport security charges and the financial revenue-sharing model — are still under review and will be resolved to ensure smooth and transparent implementation. Officials from the Enugu State Government, FAAN, and Aero Alliance were present at the signing ceremony. Enugu State authorities welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the concession will reposition the airport as a key aviation and logistics hub for the South-East region. Industry analysts say the concession is expected to attract fresh private investment, enhance service delivery, boost cargo and passenger traffic, and stimulate regional economic growth. The Enugu airport deal forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform agenda, which aims to modernise airport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety standards, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aviation market.