By: Eugene Upah
The Federal Government has formally comp
leted the handover of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to its new concessionaires, in what officials described as a major step toward modernizing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
The handover ceremony, held at the airport on Friday, marked the transfer of operational and management responsibilities to the private consortium following months of negotiations with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, said the concession was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to attract private investment, improve service delivery and reduce the burden on government finances.
“The completion of this process today is proof that public-private partnerships can work when there is political will and institutional alignment,” the Minister said. “Akanu Ibiam International Airport will now be run to international standards, with better facilities, improved passenger experience, and greater revenue generation for the state and nation.”
Federal officials reserved special commendation for Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his role in facilitating the process.
The Minister described Governor Mbah as “a visionary partner” whose administration provided the political stability, security, and administrative support needed to close the deal.
“Governor Peter Mbah did not sit on the sidelines. He engaged, he coordinated, and he made Enugu investment-ready,” the Minister stated. “This airport handover would not have been this seamless without his leadership.”
In his remarks, Governor Mbah said the concession aligns with his administration’s plan to position Enugu as an economic and logistics hub for the South-East and beyond.
“This is more than an airport deal. It is about jobs, trade, tourism and connecting Enugu to the world,” Governor Mbah said. “With private sector efficiency now driving operations, Ndi Enugu and investors can expect a world-class airport that matches our ambition.”
Under the concession agreement, the new operators are expected to upgrade terminal infrastructure to meet international passenger traffic projections, improve cargo handling facilities to boost agricultural and manufactured exports from the South-East and introduce 24-hour operations with modern security, ICT and customer service systems.
The Federal Government said regulatory oversight will remain with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to ensure compliance with safety and service standards.
Aviation stakeholders in Enugu welcomed the development, noting that a modernized airport would attract more airlines, reduce travel stress for the South-East diaspora and open new trade routes.
The concessionaire is expected to commence full operations at the airport within the next 30 days, after a transition and staff orientation period.
