The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has formally signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, marking a major milestone in the federal government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through strategic public-private partnerships.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Abuja, where the Minister received a joint delegation from the Enugu State Government and Aero Alliance, the concessionaire for the airport.
The Enugu State delegation was led by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, while the Aero Alliance team comprised 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, Dr. Yakubu Kofarmata; Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Director of Legal Services, FAAN, Mrs. Bridget Gold, alongside other senior officials of the Ministry and FAAN.
Leading the signing procession, Keyamo described the agreement as the culmination of a rigorous and transparent process that spanned several years.
“Today marks the end of a very long and painstaking process regarding the concession of the Enugu Airport.
“That process culminated on July 31, 2025, when the Federal Executive Council approved the proposal to concession the airport, subject to contract”, he said.
He explained that following the Federal Executive Council’s approval, the Ministry, FAAN and Aero Alliance entered extensive negotiations, including consultations with aviation unions, to protect workers’ welfare.
“We did these agreements with the rights and privileges of workers uppermost in our minds. Their jobs are safe, their terms and conditions remain unchanged, and they continue as staff of the federal government and FAAN”, the Minister assured.
According to him, safeguarding employment and staff interests formed a central pillar of the concession framework.
“The workers have not been short-changed in any way. Having secured their rights, we addressed other critical issues and covered virtually all areas before signing this agreement”, he added.
While the main concession agreement has now been concluded, the Minister noted that two operational matters — security charges and the airport’s financial model will be resolved in the coming weeks to ensure seamless implementation.
“There are minor operational issues concerning security fees and the financial model, which will be finalised shortly. But as far as the core concession is concerned, Enugu Airport has today been concessioned to Aero Alliance”, he said.
Keyamo described the signing as a historic step that will reposition Akanu Ibiam International Airport for efficiency, improved service delivery, and enhanced passenger experience.
The concession forms part of the federal government’s broader aviation reform agenda aimed at attracting private investment, upgrading infrastructure, boosting regional connectivity, and strengthening Nigeria’s aviation competitiveness.