A prominent coalition known as the Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT) has formally challenged the Federal Government’s decision to hand over the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to a private entity. The group, which consists of traditional rulers, intellectuals, and stakeholders, characterized the concession as a discriminatory act against the South-East region.
Under a 30-year agreement supported by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Aero Alliance Limited has taken control of the facility to oversee its financing, rehabilitation, and management. This handover, finalized by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, marks a departure from how other international airports in Nigeria are handled. The ILT argues that by withdrawing government funding, the administration of President Bola Tinubu risks degrading the airport’s safety and operational standards.
Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi and Prof. Jerry Chukwuokolo, representing the ILT, raised alarms regarding a lack of transparency and the concessionaire’s perceived lack of experience. They noted that Nigeria’s five other international airports remain under government management and funding. The group highlighted the airport’s historical development, noting that previous administrations invested billions of naira into its upgrades and operations. They emphasized that the decision to privatize only the Enugu facility while providing federal support for others like the Murtala Muhammed International Airport is unfair.
The ILT has vowed to contest the deal through legal channels, asserting that the project is not financially viable for a private firm without federal backing. They maintain that the government should continue its commitment to the infrastructure just as it does for airports across other regions of the country.
