The Federal Government has resolved the labour dispute over the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport. The breakthrough followed high-level talks convened by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Therefore, stakeholders signed a binding Consensus Agreement protecting workers’ rights at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
In a resolutionary letter sited by NigerianFLIGHTDECK, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Aero Alliance Consortium, and aviation unions, confirmed that all outstanding concerns linked to Akanu Ibiam International Airport had been addressed.
Meanwhile, the dispute had escalated in January after unions rejected the concession agreement. The unions cited exclusion, labour neglect, and procedural opacity in the process. However, the latest consensus now restores industrial calm at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
The unions present were the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals. Consequently, their endorsement signals broad labour backing for the concession framework at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
Akanu Ibiam International Airport Concession Talks Yield Consensus
General Secretary Frances Akinjole signed for ATSSSAN. General Secretary Sikiru Waheed signed for NUATE, while Deputy Secretary General Ogheme Aba endorsed for ANAP. Their signatures formalised labour acceptance of the updated terms governing Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
Representing the concessionaire, Oyiwodu Eoga and Kester Enwereonu signed on behalf of Aero Alliance Consortium. Permanent Secretary Yakubu Adam Kofameta, Ph.D., signed for the Ministry. In addition, Director of Legal Services Bridget Gold, DLS/CS, endorsed for FAAN.
According to the statement, the agreement guarantees the status and rights of workers affected by the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport. Therefore, stakeholders pledged to work harmoniously for mutual benefit, growth, and sectoral stability.
The resolution also reinforces regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s aviation industry. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria remains responsible for airport management standards nationwide. Meanwhile, global best practices outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization continue to guide concession frameworks and labour protections.
For background on Nigeria’s aviation reforms, read our previous report on airport concessions at NigerianFLIGHTDECK: [https://nigerianflightdeck.com/category/aviation-news/](https://nigerianflightdeck.com/category/aviation-news/)
However, industry observers note that sustained dialogue will be critical to ensure full implementation. Therefore, monitoring compliance at Akanu Ibiam International Airport remains essential in the coming months.
The resolution clears uncertainty around the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport. Consequently, it strengthens investor confidence while safeguarding workers’ interests. The agreement marks a decisive moment for labour relations in Nigeria’s evolving aviation landscape.
