The Federal Government has officially concessioned the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s long-running airport modernisation programme.
The concession agreement was signed on Thursday at the airport’s new terminal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The move forms part of the Federal Government’s strategy to improve airport infrastructure, boost operational efficiency and attract private sector investment into the aviation industry.
According to Keyamo, the successful concession is the first of its kind for the airport after more than two decades of unsuccessful attempts.
First Successful Airport Handover
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the minister said previous concession efforts had failed because investors were primarily interested in Nigeria’s busiest airports in Lagos, Abuja and Kano.
He credited the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with creating the environment that made the Enugu concession possible.
Keyamo also disclosed that investor confidence has increased following the transaction, with bids already being prepared for three additional airports. He announced that the Port Harcourt International Airport is expected to be concessioned within the next few weeks.
Under the agreement, Aero Alliance Limited assumes responsibility for the airport’s operations and management, making it one of Nigeria’s first private airport concessionaires.
The minister urged the company to deliver efficient and world-class airport services, stressing that its performance would serve as a benchmark for future airport concessions across the country.
Enugu Targets Regional Aviation Hub
Keyamo commended the Enugu State Government for supporting the concession process and acknowledged Governor Peter Mbah’s role in attracting investors to the project.
He also revealed that the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing direct flights between Enugu and Guangzhou, China. The proposed route is expected to strengthen trade, tourism and investment ties between the South-East and China.
Governor Peter Mbah described the concession as a major step toward positioning Enugu as a regional aviation, logistics and investment hub in West Africa.
Workers’ Welfare Protected
Addressing concerns raised by aviation workers and labour unions, Keyamo said initial legal challenges against the concession programme were withdrawn after discussions with the Federal Government.
He assured airport employees that their welfare would be protected under the new arrangement while emphasising that private sector management would improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
The concession aligns with the Federal Government’s wider airport modernisation agenda under the Renewed Hope programme, which seeks to leverage private capital to upgrade aviation infrastructure, improve passenger experience and enhance the commercial viability of Nigeria’s airports.
Background
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) disclosed in January 2026 that the concession agreement for Akanu Ibiam International Airport had been vetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The Enugu State Government had earlier announced in April 2025 that the concession process was more than 70% complete and projected its completion by the second quarter of 2025.
