Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has officially handed over the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited under a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) concession, finally ending nearly two decades of failed attempts to attract private investment to the facility. The handover ceremony, held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the airport’s new international terminal, marks one of the most significant milestones in Nigeria's aviation sector reform under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
The concession agreement, signed on January 22, 2026, by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and Aero Alliance, grants the consortium full responsibility for financing, rehabilitation, expansion, operation, and management of the airport. Following the execution of handover certificates and asset registers, Aero Alliance now assumes full operational control, with the mandate to transform the facility into one of Africa's leading regional aviation, logistics, and commercial hubs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo described the concession as a "historic breakthrough," noting that successive administrations had tried for about twenty years to concession the airport without success. He credited the achievement to President Tinubu's leadership and the proactive role of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who approached the President shortly after his inauguration with a comprehensive plan for the airport.
Keyamo highlighted a dramatic reversal of investor sentiment under the current administration. During previous concession attempts, "all the bidders avoided Enugu and Port Harcourt airports. There was not one bidder for Enugu and Port Harcourt. Everybody was rushing Lagos, Kano, and Abuja because many people want food that is ready," he recalled. However, he added: "Guess what? We have no bidder presently for Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. But Enugu and Port Harcourt are gone".
The minister disclosed that the successful Enugu concession has boosted investor confidence, with bids already being prepared for three additional airports across the country. He also announced that the Port Harcourt airport is expected to be handed over to a private operator within the next few weeks.
Keyamo further revealed that the Enugu State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a direct flight connection between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu—a development expected to boost trade, tourism, and investment in the South-East region. Direct cargo flights between the two cities are expected to commence within a few months.
Addressing concerns from aviation workers, Keyamo assured employees that their welfare and rights would be protected under the new arrangement. He noted that all aviation labour unions had previously challenged the concession programme in court but had since withdrawn their cases after understanding the government's intentions. "I want to assure workers that they are protected. However, it will no longer be business as usual. This airport will now be privately managed with a strong focus on efficiency, accountability, and service delivery. Those who perform their duties diligently have nothing to fear," he said.
Keyamo urged Aero Alliance to justify the confidence reposed in it by the Federal Government, stressing that its performance as one of Nigeria's pioneer airport concessionaires would serve as a benchmark for future airport concessions nationwide.
Governor Peter Mbah, who was present at the ceremony, described the concession as a transformative development that aligns with his administration's vision of positioning Enugu as a major aviation, logistics, and investment hub in West Africa. He noted that the partnership would attract new business opportunities, improve infrastructure, and enhance passenger experience. The governor had previously launched Enugu Air, a state-owned airline, as part of his broader strategy to develop the aviation sector.
The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, thanked President Tinubu for making the concession happen, describing it as "historic and special for Nigeria." He commended Mbah's commitment to building infrastructure, extolling his international credibility and tenacity.
Aero Alliance's Managing Director, Saleem Hussain, assured that the consortium would leverage its over three decades of experience in the aviation sector to focus on connectivity, cargo and logistics, passenger experience, commercial development, and technology and operational excellence. The company has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with key aviation unions—including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)—guaranteeing job security and preservation of status for affected workers.
The Federal Executive Council had approved the full business case for the 30-year concession on July 31, 2025, covering both the airport and its unfinished cargo terminal. The deal was designed to address financial burdens associated with smaller airports while attracting private sector investment to modernise Nigeria's aviation infrastructure.
The concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport is expected to usher in a new era of private-sector participation in Nigeria's aviation industry, with government officials expressing optimism that it will lead to improved efficiency, upgraded facilities, and sustainable growth in air transport services. For the South-East region, the development opens new economic opportunities and positions Enugu as a competitive destination for trade and investment.
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