Enugu Air, Airport Concession To Drive State’s $30bn Economy Target

The Enugu State Government has said the establishment of Enugu Air and the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport will play a critical role in achieving its target of expanding the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031.

Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this during the Renewed Hope Media Tour of the airport on Tuesday, noting that the administration is leveraging aviation, tourism and agriculture as key drivers of economic growth.

According to Onyia, the airport concession forms part of Governor Peter Mbah’s broader strategy to reposition Enugu as a major economic hub in the South-East.

He explained that the government anticipates a rise in visitor traffic in the coming years and considers air transportation essential to supporting tourism, investment and business activities across the state.

“We looked at Enugu as an economic hub where tourism, hospitality, investment and aviation can work together to drive growth,” Onyia said.

He noted that relying solely on existing commercial airlines could limit the state’s ability to efficiently move people in and out of Enugu, which informed the decision to establish Enugu Air.

“If we’re expecting people to come into Enugu, then we can’t depend solely on third-party airlines based on their schedules,” he added.

Onyia disclosed that Enugu Air currently has six aircraft, describing the development as the first phase of the airline project.

He said the aviation initiative would also support the state’s tourism agenda, with efforts underway to revitalise tourist attractions and expand hospitality infrastructure.

According to him, improved air connectivity will make it easier for tourists and investors to access the state and explore its various destinations.

The SSG further stated that the airport’s cargo terminal would boost agricultural investments by facilitating the movement of goods and farm produce within and outside the state.

“This is also going to help our agricultural investment outlook because this is where the cargo terminal will be, where we can move things in and out of the state,” he said.

Onyia explained that the government adopted a private sector-led model for both the airline and airport projects to ensure efficiency, sustainability and professional management.

Providing an update on the concession process, he said October has been earmarked for the next phase of activities, which will enable concessionaires and contractors to commence work.

He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in facilitating the project.

The Federal Executive Council approved the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport as part of efforts to attract private investment into airport infrastructure.

In January, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed a concession agreement with Aero Alliance for the operation of the airport.

Under the arrangement, ownership of the airport remains with the Federal Government, while the concessionaire is responsible for operating, maintaining and upgrading the facility.

The project has attracted significant public attention as both the Federal Government and Enugu State intensify efforts to reposition the airport as a major gateway for business, tourism and trade in the South-East.