The Federal Government has officially signed the concession agreement for Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, marking a major step in modernising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through public-private partnerships. The signing took place on Wednesday at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Abuja, overseen by the Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
Officials from the Enugu State Government and Aero Alliance, the concessionaire, attended the ceremony. The Enugu State delegation was led by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, while Aero Alliance was represented by Engr Chuks Aniekwe, Barrister Oyiwodu Okibe-Oga, Onyedikachi Nwachukwu, Kester Enwereonu, and Barrister Michael Nwaechie of Ivy Solicitors. Senior officials from FAAN and the Ministry were also present.
Keyamo described the signing as the conclusion of a long process that began several years ago, noting that the Federal Executive Council had approved the concession proposal on July 31, 2025. He highlighted that extensive consultations with aviation unions had safeguarded workers’ welfare.
“The workers have not been retrenched, their terms of employment remain unchanged, and they continue as employees of the Federal Government and FAAN. Their jobs are safe and protected,” Keyamo affirmed. He added that job security and staff welfare were central to the concession framework.
The minister also noted that two operational matters—security charges and the airport’s financial model—would be finalised in the coming weeks to ensure smooth implementation. With the main concession agreement concluded, the Federal Government has officially handed the management of Enugu Airport to Aero Alliance.
