The Federal Government has officially handed over the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector reforms.
With the execution of the handover certificates, asset register and other necessary documentation, Aero Alliance will assume responsibility for financing, rehabilitating, expanding, operating and managing the airport in line with internationally recognised standards of safety, efficiency and passenger service.
The concession is expected to transform the airport into a major regional aviation, logistics and commercial hub while opening up new economic opportunities for the South-East.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the airport’s international terminal on Thursday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), described the development as a landmark achievement, crediting President Bola Tinubu and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for bringing the long-awaited concession to reality.
According to Keyamo, previous administrations had struggled for nearly two decades to attract private investors to Enugu and Port Harcourt airports, with most investors focusing instead on Lagos, Abuja and Kano.
He said the situation changed under the Tinubu administration following Governor Mbah’s vision to transform Enugu into an aviation and investment hub.
“For almost 20 years, governments attempted to concession some of our airports because of the belief that the private sector would manage them more professionally and commercially. At the time, there were no bidders for Enugu and Port Harcourt airports. Today, the reverse is the case. Enugu and Port Harcourt are gone, while there are currently no bidders for Lagos, Abuja and Kano,” the minister said.
Keyamo praised Mbah for approaching President Tinubu shortly after assuming office with a comprehensive development plan for the airport, describing the governor as a leader who “came into office with a plan.”
He urged Aero Alliance to deliver on its mandate with professionalism, transparency, operational excellence and an unwavering commitment to safety.
The minister also dismissed fears of possible job losses, assuring workers that the concession agreement was structured to create more employment opportunities rather than reduce the workforce.
Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Ewalefor, described the concession as historic, saying Governor Mbah’s credibility and determination attracted private investment to the project.
He noted that the launch of Enugu Air and the state’s growing international partnerships, including agreements with Guangzhou, China, would provide sufficient passenger and cargo traffic to sustain the airport’s commercial viability.
Governor Mbah described the concession as the beginning of a new era for the South-East, saying it would unlock enormous economic potential by improving connectivity and easing logistics challenges that have hindered businesses across the region.
“It opens a new chapter of economic possibilities because businesses across our region have long grappled with logistics constraints that increased costs, delayed deliveries and reduced competitiveness.
“We hope future generations will remember today as the moment Akanu Ibiam International Airport began its transformation into a truly world-class gateway connecting the South-East to the rest of the world,” Mbah said.
He thanked President Tinubu for supporting the project and commended Aero Alliance for investing in the airport, while encouraging more investors to explore opportunities in Enugu State.
Managing Director of Aero Alliance, Saleem Hussain, assured stakeholders that the company would leverage more than three decades of aviation experience to transform the airport into one of Africa’s leading regional aviation hubs.
According to Hussain, the company’s investment will focus on improved connectivity, cargo and logistics services, enhanced passenger experience, commercial development, advanced technology and operational excellence.
Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), represented by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Henry Agbebire, alongside Enugu State Commissioner for Transport Dr. Obi Ozor and FAAN Regional General Manager Hillary Umunna, also pledged their support to ensure the success of the concession for the benefit of the South-East and Nigeria’s economy.
Comments