The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally handed over the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to a private operator, marking a significant milestone in the country's airport concession program. The handover ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, saw the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, officially transfer the airport's management to the concessionaire, Enugu Airport Concession Company (EACC), a special purpose vehicle led by the Corporacion America Airports consortium.
Details of the Concession Agreement
The concession agreement, signed in 2023, grants the private operator the rights to manage, operate, and upgrade the airport for a period of 30 years. According to the minister, the deal is expected to attract over $200 million in investments for terminal expansion, runway rehabilitation, and installation of modern navigational equipment. The government retains ownership of the airport land and assets, while the operator will handle daily operations and capital improvements.
The concession is part of the broader Nigeria Airport Concession Programme, which aims to improve efficiency, reduce government expenditure, and enhance passenger experience across major airports. Keyamo stated that the Enugu airport is the second to be handed over under the program, following the successful concession of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in 2024.
Economic and Regional Impact
The handover is expected to boost economic activities in the South-East region, as Enugu serves as a key gateway for trade and tourism. The airport currently handles over 500,000 passengers annually, a figure projected to double within five years of the concession. The operator plans to introduce new domestic and international routes, including direct flights to destinations in the Middle East and Europe.
Local business leaders have welcomed the development, with the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, describing it as a "game-changer" for the region. "This concession will unlock the full potential of our aviation sector, create jobs, and attract investments," Mbah said during the ceremony. The airport's upgrade is also expected to facilitate the export of agricultural produce, such as palm oil and cassava, which are major products of the South-East.
Challenges and Oversight
Despite the optimism, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the transparency of the concession process and the potential for increased airfares. The Minister assured that the government has put in place a regulatory framework to monitor the operator's performance and ensure fair pricing. "We have established a dedicated oversight unit within the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to ensure compliance with service level agreements," Keyamo explained.
The concessionaire has committed to maintaining current domestic airfare levels for at least two years, while international fares will be subject to market forces but capped at a reasonable margin. The operator also plans to create over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs during the first phase of the upgrade.
Future of Airport Concessions
The Enugu handover sets the stage for the concession of other airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. The government targets to complete the entire program by 2027, with the aim of making Nigerian airports globally competitive. The Minister emphasized that the concessions are not a privatization but a strategic partnership to leverage private sector efficiency while retaining public ownership.
