The Federal Government has formally transferred the operational management of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to Aero Alliance Limited, bringing to fruition a concession plan that had remained on the drawing board for nearly two decades.
The official handover, held on Thursday at the airport's new terminal, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's aviation reform agenda, with the government positioning the concession as a catalyst for improved infrastructure, private sector participation, operational efficiency and increased investor confidence.
The event attracted key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh; and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aero Alliance Limited, Saleem Aman Ullah Abdulhussain.
According to a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, the concession forms part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to modernise airport facilities across the country while attracting long-term private investment into the aviation industry.
Speaking during the ceremony, Keyamo described the handover as a landmark achievement, recalling that previous administrations had been unable to conclude the concession despite years of discussions.
"This concession plan has been on for about twenty years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," the minister said.
He explained that for many years, investors showed interest only in Nigeria's busiest airports.
"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."
According to the minister, the successful concession of the Enugu airport has already sparked renewed investor interest, with preparations underway for the concession of three additional airports across the country.
Keyamo also commended Governor Peter Mbah for playing a central role in attracting investors to the project, describing the Enugu State governor as a reliable partner despite political differences.
"Despite belonging to a different political party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed me to give him every necessary support," he said.
"He brought investors to the table, and we have found in Governor Peter Mbah the perfect partner for this project."
Addressing concerns over the welfare of aviation workers, the minister assured employees that their jobs and rights would remain protected under the new management arrangement while stressing that the concession would usher in a new era of accountability and efficiency.
"I want to assure workers that they are protected. However, it will no longer be business as usual," Keyamo stated.
"This airport will now be privately managed with a strong focus on efficiency, accountability and service delivery. Those who perform their duties diligently have nothing to fear."
He further challenged Aero Alliance Limited to deliver on the expectations of the Federal Government, noting that the company's performance would serve as a benchmark for future airport concession projects across Nigeria.
Following the minister's remarks, concession documents were formally signed, paving the way for Aero Alliance Limited to officially assume operational management of the international airport.
Governor Peter Mbah described the concession as a transformational development that aligns with his administration's ambition of positioning Enugu as a leading aviation, logistics and investment hub in West Africa.
The formal handover comes months after the Federal Government and Aero Alliance Limited signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport on January 22, setting the stage for Thursday's transfer of operations.