Keyamo says deal protects workers’ jobs, marks major step in aviation sector reforms
The Federal Government has formally signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, marking a major milestone in its drive to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a ceremony held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
A statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, said the signing followed a meeting between the minister and a joint delegation from the Enugu State Government and Aero Alliance, the concessionaire.
The Enugu State delegation was led by the Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, while the Aero Alliance team included Chuks Aniekwe, Barrister Oyiwodu Okibe-Oga, Onyedikachi Nwachukwu, Kester Enwereonu, and Barrister Michael Nwaechie of Ivy Solicitors.
Top officials of the Federal Government were also in attendance, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adams Kofarmata; the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku; and FAAN’s Director of Legal Services, Bridget Iwinose Gold, alongside other senior officials from the ministry and FAAN.
Speaking at the event, Keyamo described the signing as the conclusion of a rigorous and transparent process that spanned several years.
“Today marks the end of a long and painstaking journey towards the concession of the Enugu Airport,” the minister said. “The process reached a critical point on July 31, 2025, when the Federal Executive Council approved the proposal, subject to contract.”
He explained that following the FEC’s approval, the ministry, FAAN, and Aero Alliance engaged in extensive negotiations, including consultations with aviation unions, to ensure that workers’ interests were fully protected.
“The rights and welfare of aviation workers were central to these discussions,” Keyamo said. “No worker has been retrenched, their terms and conditions of service remain unchanged, and they continue to be employees of the Federal Government and FAAN.”
According to the minister, safeguarding jobs and protecting staff welfare formed a core pillar of the concession framework.
“The workers have not been short-changed in any way. Their jobs are secure. Once we resolved labour-related concerns, we addressed other critical issues and ensured that all major areas were covered before signing this agreement,” he added.
Keyamo noted that while the main concession agreement has now been finalised, two operational matters security charges and the airport’s financial model will be resolved in the coming weeks to enable smooth implementation.
“As far as the concession itself is concerned, we have agreed today to hand over the Enugu Airport to Aero Alliance. The remaining operational issues will be settled shortly,” he said.
He described the event as historic and expressed optimism that the concession would reposition the airport for greater efficiency, improved service delivery, and a better passenger experience.
The concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform programme aimed at attracting private capital, upgrading infrastructure, expanding regional connectivity, and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aviation market.
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