All submitted proposals are undergoing thorough evaluation and are yet to be reviewed by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission

BY ANTHONY OMOH

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development says While it’s true that the Federal Government is considering concessions for five major airports, no final decision—especially on duration—has been made. This clarification comes following reports of an 80-year Enugu Airport concession deal allegedly agreed upon.

This denial was issued following the circulation of misleading online stories suggesting that the Federal Government had sealed a long-term concession agreement.  

Specifically, the false reports claimed that an 80-year concession has been agreed for Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, sparking reactions across the industry. 

In response, the Ministry clarified that while proposals for airport concessions are currently under review, no agreement has been finalised at this point.  

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, such claims are entirely unfounded and misleading.  

He confirmed that the government is presently reviewing concession proposals for five major airports as part of ongoing efforts to improve the sector.  

However, Moshood stressed that the evaluation process remains in progress and that no specific duration has been accepted or approved by authorities.  

“Whilst it is true that the Federal Government is considering proposals for the concession of five major airports, nothing has been concluded,” he stated.  

He explained that the decision to explore concessions is a proactive measure to elevate operational efficiency and global competitiveness.  

“Our airports currently operate below financial sustainability and require government subsidies to continue functioning. This reform is long overdue,” he added.  

He further noted that this policy direction did not originate with the current administration but was inherited from previous governments.  

Moshood explained that prospective concessionaires have submitted various proposals, including differing durations, but none have been approved or endorsed.  

“All submitted proposals are undergoing thorough evaluation and are yet to be reviewed by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission,” he emphasized.  

The Ministry confirmed that only after ICRC’s assessment will any concession proposal be forwarded to the Minister and then to the Federal Executive Council.  

Importantly, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier directed that aviation labour unions be part of the review process.  

This move is designed to foster transparency and ensure that key industry stakeholders are adequately represented during all stages of negotiation.  

The Ministry described the false reports of an 80-year Enugu Airport concession as attempts to sow distrust and disaffection among the public.  

It warned that such actions could disrupt a process that is being carefully designed to benefit both the industry and the national economy.  

“The claim that a predetermined concession duration has been decided is entirely false and misleading,” the Ministry’s statement reiterated firmly.  

It stressed the need for the public and stakeholders to rely on official channels for accurate information concerning ongoing aviation reforms.  

Furthermore, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to due process, national interest, and sectoral development in all its policies and decisions.  

Minister Festus Keyamo, known for his commitment to transparency and accountability, has repeatedly pledged to run a clean and credible Ministry.  

He has also vowed not to repeat past mistakes that plagued previous concession arrangements and undermined public confidence in government transactions.  

So far, the Minister has maintained an open-door policy and has invited scrutiny and constructive engagement from all aviation stakeholders.  

According to the Ministry, decisions about airport concessions will only be taken after due evaluation, review, and Federal Executive Council approval.  

It urged members of the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation that could derail well-intentioned reform efforts.  

Meanwhile, aviation unions, government agencies, and industry professionals have all been asked to remain engaged and supportive of the transparent process.  

With five airports under review, the Ministry is focused on reforming aviation infrastructure and service quality to meet international standards.  

As the process continues, the government insists that all decisions will be taken strictly in the interest of the aviation sector and the country.