FG Hands Over Enugu International Airport To Private Operator Under Concession Deal
The Federal Government has formally transferred the management and operation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to Aero Alliance Limited under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement aimed at improving efficiency and attracting private investment into Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The concession agreement was sealed on Thursday during a signing ceremony attended by government officials, aviation regulators, representatives of the concessionaire and Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the development as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to modernise airport infrastructure and enhance service delivery across the country.
Keyamo said the plan to concession the Enugu airport had been under consideration for nearly two decades but only became possible under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“The concession plan has been on for about 20 years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Tinubu,” the minister said.
He noted that while airports in Lagos, Abuja and Kano had traditionally attracted more investor attention, the successful concession of Enugu airport had opened opportunities for similar investments in other parts of the country.
According to him, Port Harcourt International Airport would also be handed over to a private operator in the coming weeks, while the success of the Enugu project had encouraged more investors to show interest in other airport concessions.
Keyamo commended Governor Peter Mbah for his role in facilitating the partnership, describing him as a key stakeholder in making the project successful.
The minister explained that the concession was part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform agenda focused on improving airport operations, upgrading infrastructure and strengthening regional connectivity.
Addressing concerns over workers’ welfare, Keyamo assured airport employees that their interests would be protected under the new arrangement, while stressing that the facility would now operate under a more efficient and accountable management structure.
He urged Aero Alliance Limited to deliver on its commitments, noting that its performance would serve as a model for future airport concession projects in Nigeria.
Beyond passenger operations, Keyamo disclosed that the Enugu State Government had signed a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a direct cargo route between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, aimed at boosting trade, logistics and investment opportunities in the South-East.
Governor Mbah described the concession as a transformative step that aligns with his administration’s vision of positioning Enugu as an aviation, logistics and investment hub in West Africa.
He said improved airport infrastructure would help unlock economic opportunities, support businesses and contribute to the state’s development goals.
The concession process received approval from the Federal Executive Council in July 2025 after the full business case was presented, with the agreement subsequently signed in January 2026.
Under the arrangement, Aero Alliance Limited will manage, operate, maintain and upgrade the airport, while ownership of the facility remains with the Federal Government.
Officials said the partnership is expected to improve passenger experience, attract investment and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
