The Federal Government has formally transferred control of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited. This move, executed through a public-private partnership, tasks the firm with financing, rehabilitating, and managing the facility to align with global standards for safety and passenger comfort.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo praised the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah in securing this deal. Keyamo highlighted that while other airports failed to attract bidders, the strategic planning and initiative shown by Governor Mbah were crucial in securing this investment for the South East. He dismissed concerns regarding potential staff layoffs, asserting that the agreement is designed to generate new employment opportunities.
Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr. Jobson Ewalefor, attributed the success of the project to Governor Mbah’s credibility and proactive approach. Governor Mbah noted that the concession is a significant milestone that will alleviate logistics hurdles for regional businesses and catalyze economic growth. By enhancing connectivity, the state aims to transform the airport into a major commercial and aviation hub.
Managing Director of Aero Alliance, Saleem Hussain, committed to utilizing the consortium’s thirty years of industry experience to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure and technology. Officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Enugu State government expressed their full support for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to benefit both the regional and national economy.
