FG gives Enugu Airport to private firm

The Federal Government has officially handed over the management of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited. This move is part of a public-private partnership deal. It ends years of failed attempts to concession the airport.

The handover took place on Thursday at a signing ceremony. Government officials, aviation regulators, the concessionaire's representatives, and Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, were present.

At the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, called this a major step in the government’s plan to upgrade Nigeria’s airport facilities. He said it will also help attract private investments in the aviation sector.

Keyamo explained that plans to concession the airport had been ongoing for nearly 20 years. He noted that the current administration finally made it happen. “This concession plan has been on for about 20 years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Tinubu,” Mr Keyamo said.

He pointed out that investors usually focused on airports in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. Airports in Enugu and Port Harcourt have not attracted much interest. “Today, Enugu has been successfully concessioned, and Port Harcourt will also be handed over within the next few weeks,” he added.

The minister also mentioned that the successful concession of Enugu airport has sparked new interest from investors. Bids are being prepared for other airports around the country. He praised the Enugu State Governor for his role in this initiative.

“Governor Peter Mbah came into the office with a clear plan. He brought investors to the table, and we found in him the perfect partner for this project,” he stated.

Keyamo said the concession fits into the Federal Government’s wider aviation reform plans. These plans aim to improve efficiency, upgrade infrastructure, and strengthen regional connections.

He addressed concerns about airport workers. Mr Keyamo assured them that their welfare would be protected under this new arrangement. He recalled that aviation unions had initially opposed the concession and took the matter to court. But they later dropped their cases after discussions with government officials.

“I want to assure workers that they are protected. However, it will no longer be business as usual. This airport will now be privately managed with a strong focus on efficiency, accountability, and service delivery,” he noted.

Keyamo encouraged Aero Alliance Limited to prove they deserve this trust. He said the company's performance will set a standard for future airport concessions in Nigeria.

Besides passenger services, the Enugu State Government has signed a deal to create a direct cargo route between Enugu and Guangzhou, China. This connection is expected to boost trade, logistics, and investment in the South-east.

Governor Mbah described the concession as a transformative project. He said it fits his administration’s goal to make Enugu a top aviation, logistics, and investment center in West Africa.

He believes improved airport facilities will unlock economic chances, stimulate trade, and support the state's overall growth plan.

The concession process gained momentum in July 2025 when the Federal Executive Council approved the full business case for the airport’s concession. The agreement was signed in January 2026.

Under this new deal, Aero Alliance Limited will operate, maintain, and upgrade the airport. The Federal Government will still own the airport. Officials say this partnership should improve passenger experiences, attract investments, and help Nigeria’s aviation sector grow in the long term.