After more than two decades of failed attempts, the Federal Government has finally signed off Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for concession to Aero Alliance Limited. However, even as officials celebrated the historic breakthrough, authorities provided no information on the duration of the concession, leaving a key aspect of the agreement shrouded in secrecy.
The omission immediately raises questions about transparency surrounding one of Nigeria’s most significant airport concession transactions. While government officials highlighted the benefits of private sector participation, stakeholders were left without details on how long the private operator will manage the airport or the conditions attached to the arrangement.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the concession plan had remained unrealised for about 20 years.
“This concession plan has been on for about twenty years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Before now, investors focused mainly on Lagos, Abuja and Kano airports. Nobody was interested in Enugu and Port Harcourt. Today, Enugu has been successfully concessioned and Port Harcourt will also be handed over within the next few weeks,” the Minister said.
Concession Tenure Remains Unknown
Despite the historic nature of the announcement, neither the Ministry of Aviation, FAAN nor Aero Alliance disclosed the concession tenure during the ceremony. No details were provided on whether the agreement runs for 20, 30 or more years, information that is typically central to assessing the long-term impact of such transactions.
The lack of disclosure may fuel concerns among industry observers who have consistently called for greater transparency in airport concession arrangements. Without knowledge of the tenure period, it becomes difficult to evaluate projected returns on investment, government revenue expectations and future operational obligations.
The lack of disclosed terms may also revive memories of previous airport concession disputes, particularly the long-running disagreement between the Federal Government and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), which was only recently resolved by the current administration.
Transparency is particularly important because the concession will transfer operational and management responsibilities of a strategic national asset to a private operator. Therefore, stakeholders may seek further information on revenue-sharing arrangements, investment commitments and oversight mechanisms that will govern the partnership.
Keyamo nevertheless expressed confidence in the project and said investor interest in Nigerian airports is increasing.
The concession forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to modernise airport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and attract private sector investment into the aviation industry. Government officials believe the move could transform Enugu into a stronger aviation and commercial hub for the South-East.
According to him, the successful conclusion of the Enugu concession has already encouraged investors to prepare bids for three additional airports across the country. He also revealed that Port Harcourt International Airport is expected to follow within weeks.
The Minister credited the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, for helping to attract investors and move the project forward.
“Governor Peter Mbah came into the office with a clear plan. Despite belonging to a different political party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed me to give him every necessary support. He brought investors to the table, and we have found in Governor Peter Mbah the perfect partner for this project,” Keyamo stated.
Meanwhile, concerns about workers’ welfare were also addressed during the ceremony. Aviation unions had previously challenged airport concession plans in court, fearing potential job losses and changes to employment conditions.
Responding to those concerns, the Minister assured employees that their interests remain protected.
“When we came into office, all aviation labour unions were in court challenging the concession programme. One after another, they have withdrawn their cases after understanding our intentions. I want to assure workers that they are protected. However, it will no longer be business as usual. This airport will now be privately managed with a strong focus on efficiency, accountability and service delivery,” he said.
In addition, Keyamo challenged Aero Alliance Limited to deliver results, noting that its performance could shape future airport concession projects nationwide.
Another major announcement at the event involved plans for international connectivity. The Minister disclosed that the Enugu State Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at facilitating direct flights between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu. The proposed route is expected to support trade, tourism and investment opportunities in the region.
Governor Mbah described the concession as a transformative step towards positioning Enugu as a leading aviation, logistics and investment destination in West Africa.
While the end of a 20-year pursuit marks a notable achievement for the aviation sector, the absence of publicly disclosed concession terms may continue to attract scrutiny. As implementation begins, stakeholders will likely look for greater transparency regarding the agreement’s duration, obligations and expected benefits to ensure the concession delivers value to both the travelling public and the Nigerian economy.
