The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has cleared the air on reports claiming that a fixed concession term has been reached for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. According to the Minister, there is currently no agreement in place regarding any specific duration for the airport’s concession.
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo said the claims made in some media outlets are “utterly baseless and untrue.” While he confirmed that discussions around airport concessions are ongoing, he stressed that nothing has been finalized.
Just a few days ago, the Enugu airport drew public attention after Air Peace airline suspended flights to the facility due to what it described as “infrastructural defects.” Following this development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) temporarily closed the airport to allow for emergency repairs on the runway.
Moshood noted that many airports across the country are currently running at a loss and require monthly financial support from the federal government. This, he said, makes the option of concessions necessary to ensure these airports can continue operating efficiently and meet international standards.
“Whilst it is true that the Federal Government is considering proposals for the concession of five major airports, this is a proactive measure to ensure these vital facilities can meet and maintain international standards, given the increasing financial demands of their operations…,” part of the official statement reads.
He also stated that the concession process is still in the evaluation phase. Several private firms have submitted proposals, each suggesting different terms. However, Moshood noted that no timeline has been approved, as the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) must first assess all submissions. Only after that will recommendations be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
“For the sake of transparency, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, directed some months ago that the Aviation Labour Unions be included as part of the negotiating teams,” the statement added.
There have been accusations from aviation workers’ unions alleging that the Ministry is conducting the concession process in secrecy. However, Keyamo has maintained that all procedures are being carried out transparently and in line with due process.
