Private Company Takes Over Airport Management in Southeast State as FG Signs Concession Agreement
- The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu
- The agreement was signed with Aero Alliance after approval by the Federal Executive Council in July 2025
- The aviation minister said workers’ jobs and employment conditions were fully protected under the deal
Oluwatobi Odeyinka is a business editor at Legit.ng, covering energy, the money market, technology and macroeconomic trends in Nigeria.
The federal government has signed a concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
Source: UGC
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Friday, following the formal signing of the agreement with Aero Alliance, the selected concessionaire, PUNCH reported.
According to the ministry, representatives of the Enugu State Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Aero Alliance were present at the signing ceremony.
Concession process was transparent – Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the agreement marked the conclusion of a long and transparent process that began several years ago and received Federal Executive Council approval on July 31, 2025.
Keyamo explained that after the approval, the ministry engaged in extensive negotiations with FAAN and the concessionaire, including consultations with aviation unions, to ensure workers’ rights were fully protected.
Jobs of airport workers secured
He stressed that airport workers were not retrenched and that their employment conditions remained unchanged, adding that they would continue as staff of the federal government and FAAN.
As reported by VANGUARD, the minister noted that while the main concession agreement had been finalised, a few operational issues, including security charges and aspects of the airport’s financial model, would be resolved in the coming weeks.
He described the agreement as a milestone that would reposition the Enugu airport for improved efficiency, enhanced service delivery, and a better passenger experience.
The concession of the Enugu airport forms part of the federal government’s broader aviation reform programme aimed at attracting private investment, upgrading airport infrastructure, improving regional connectivity, and strengthening the competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
A concession arrangement allows a private operator to manage, maintain, and upgrade airport facilities for a specified period, while ownership of the airport remains with the government.
Source: Getty Images
FAAN introduces cashless payment amid reforms
Legit.ng earlier reported that FAAN rolled out a cashless payment system across its operations, beginning with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
FAAN said the initiative, branded “Operations Go Cashless,” will replace cash transactions at access gates, car parks and VIP lounges.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with financial technology firm Paystack.
Source: Legit.ng
