Festus Keyamo Finalizes Enugu Airport Concession to Aero Alliance Limited

Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially concluded the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. This significant development sees the airport handed over to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership framework.

The formal transfer of the airport's operational and management responsibilities was announced on Thursday through a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications. The ceremony was graced by notable figures including Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, alongside representatives from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Aero Alliance Limited.

This concession aligns with the Federal Government's strategy to upgrade airport infrastructure, boost operational efficiency, and draw private sector investment into the aviation industry, a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Minister Keyamo lauded the agreement as a major breakthrough, highlighting that attempts to concession the airport had failed for nearly two decades.

“This concession plan has been on for about twenty years, but it has only become possible under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Before now, investors focused mainly on Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports. Nobody was interested in Enugu and Port Harcourt. Today, Enugu has been successfully concessioned and Port Harcourt will also be handed over within the next few weeks,” Keyamo stated.

The minister further revealed that the successful concession of the Enugu airport has significantly boosted investor confidence, leading to the preparation of bids for three more airports across the nation. He also commended Governor Mbah for his crucial role in facilitating the project, noting, “Governor Peter Mbah came into the office with a clear plan. Despite belonging to a different political party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed me to give him every necessary support. He brought investors to the table, and we have found in Governor Peter Mbah the perfect partner for this project.”

Addressing concerns from aviation workers, Keyamo provided assurances that their welfare would be safeguarded under the new concession arrangement. “When we came into office, all aviation labour unions were in court challenging the concession programme. One after another, they have withdrawn their cases after understanding our intentions. 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. Those who perform their duties diligently have nothing to fear,” he affirmed.

Keyamo urged Aero Alliance Limited to live up to the Federal Government's trust, emphasizing that their performance as one of Nigeria’s first airport concessionaires would set a precedent for future concessions. He also disclosed that the Enugu State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish direct flights between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu, a move anticipated to stimulate trade, tourism, and investment in the South-East region.

In his remarks, Governor Mbah hailed the concession as a transformative initiative that complements the state government’s goal of establishing Enugu as a premier aviation, logistics, and investment hub in West Africa. The concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport is expected to foster stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, enhance passenger experience, and support sustainable growth within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

This culmination follows a process that began several years ago, receiving a significant boost on July 31, 2025, when the Federal Executive Council approved the full business case for the concession to Aero Alliance Limited. The formal concession agreement was signed in January 2026, marking it as a vital component of the government's strategy to modernize aviation infrastructure through public-private partnerships and improve operational efficiency.

Under the terms, Aero Alliance Limited will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and upgrading the airport, while the Federal Government retains ownership. This project forms part of a broader aviation reform agenda designed to attract private investment, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance the overall passenger experience. The Enugu State Government views this airport concession as a critical element in its plan to transform Enugu into a major aviation, logistics, and investment center, aiming to boost the state's economy through increased trade, tourism, and cargo activities.