Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, recently confirmed that private firms are currently assembling bids to manage three more airports throughout Nigeria. While the specific locations remain undisclosed, Keyamo noted that the successful handover of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu has stimulated significant industry interest.
Speaking through his media aide, Tunde Moshood, the Minister highlighted that the Enugu airport concession, awarded to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership, represents a major milestone. He emphasized that this project had stalled for two decades before finding success under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Keyamo praised Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his active role in securing investors for the facility, noting that the federal government prioritized this collaboration regardless of political affiliations. Following the success in Enugu, the government expects to finalize the transfer of the Port Harcourt airport within the coming weeks.
Addressing potential concerns from labor groups, the Minister stated that workers’ interests are secure. He pointed out that aviation unions have dropped their legal challenges against the program once they understood the government’s objectives. Keyamo warned, however, that private management will demand higher standards of accountability and performance, stressing that the airport will no longer operate under the status quo.
Finally, the Minister urged Aero Alliance Limited to uphold the trust placed in them, as their management of the Enugu facility will serve as the standard for future airport concessions across the country.
