‎FG Completes Concession Agreement for Akanu Ibiam International Airport

‎As part of efforts to accelerate the modernisation of aviation infrastructure and improve service delivery within Nigeria’s air transport sector, the Federal Government has formally sealed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
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‎Southeastposts reports that the agreement was signed on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Abuja by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
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‎The event attracted officials of the Enugu State Government, representatives of Aero Alliance – the airport’s concessionaire – as well as senior officials of the Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
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‎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.
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‎Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adams Kofarmata; the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; the Director of Legal Services at FAAN, Mrs. Bridget Iwinose Gold; and other top ministry and FAAN officials.
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‎In his speech during the event, Keyamo said the signing is the culmination of a long, rigorous and transparent process that spanned several years, recalling that the Federal Executive Council granted approval for the concession of the Enugu Airport on July 31, 2025, subject to the finalisation of contractual terms.
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‎He said the period following the Council’s approval involved extensive negotiations between the Ministry, FAAN and Aero Alliance, alongside wide-ranging consultations with aviation unions.
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‎Keyamo emphasised that these engagements were deliberately tailored to ensure that the rights, welfare and job security of aviation workers were fully protected while assuring workers and stakeholders that no staff member had been disadvantaged by the concession arrangement.
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‎He emphasised that job security formed a core element of the agreement, noting that only after addressing workers’ concerns did the parties move on to resolving other critical operational and contractual matters.
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‎Keyamo also disclosed that two outstanding operational matters – security-related charges and the financial operating model of the airport – would be resolved within the coming weeks to enable seamless implementation of the concession.
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‎The Minister described the ceremony as historic, saying that the concession would reposition the Akanu Ibiam International Airport for greater efficiency, enhanced passenger experience and improved service standards.
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‎Southeastposts reports that the concession of the Enugu Airport is a key component of the Federal Government’s broader aviation sector reform agenda, which seeks to attract private investment, modernise airport infrastructure, boost regional and international connectivity, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aviation market.