Just hours after the Federal Government signed the concession agreement for Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah has confirmed that the deal will run for 30 years.
The disclosure addresses one of the biggest questions left unanswered during the official handover ceremony, where the Federal Government formally transferred the airport’s operations and management to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
In a statement on his official X account, @PNMbah following the ceremony, Governor Peter Mbah described the development as a landmark achievement for Enugu State and the South-East, while revealing the concession period for the first time.
“Today is a proud day for me and for Ndi Enugu,” the governor stated.
“The Akanu Ibiam International Airport is more than a gateway to the Southeast. It is a catalyst for commerce, connectivity, investment, and economic growth.”
Mbah added that the ceremony formally commenced Aero Alliance Limited’s management of the airport under a 30-year Public-Private Partnership concession with the Federal Government.
“Today’s handover ceremony marks the formal commencement of Aero Alliance Limited’s stewardship of the airport under a 30-year Public-Private Partnership concession with the Federal Government of Nigeria, a landmark step that will help unlock even greater opportunities for our region and strengthen Enugu’s position as a leading destination for business and travel,” he said.
Governor Mbah Provides Tenure Clarity
The governor’s clarification provides additional details following the Federal Government’s announcement of the concession, which did not include the tenure, addressing industry interest in the duration of the agreement and other contractual details.
The confirmation now provides greater clarity on one of the most important aspects of the transaction. Airport concession agreements often extend over several decades because they require significant private sector investment in infrastructure, operations and service delivery.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier described the agreement as the successful conclusion of a process that had remained unrealised for about 20 years.
According to the minister, previous attempts to concession the airport failed to attract investors, unlike the current administration, which has now completed the process and expects Port Harcourt International Airport to follow within weeks.
Meanwhile, Mbah said the concession aligns with his administration’s strategy of using strategic partnerships to accelerate economic development across Enugu State.
“As we continue to build strategic partnerships and invest in critical infrastructure, our focus remains clear: creating a more connected, competitive and prosperous future for our people,” he said.
The governor concluded his message with the declaration, “Tomorrow is here.”
The confirmation of the 30-year concession is expected to provide greater certainty for investors and stakeholders as Aero Alliance Limited begins managing the airport. Attention is now likely to shift to the publication of other commercial terms of the agreement, including investment commitments, revenue-sharing arrangements and performance obligations that will shape the airport’s long-term development.
