Aviation Expert Questions Minister's Authority Over Airport Gate Concession
Aviation expert Chris Aligbe has strongly criticized the proposed concession of access gate services at Nigerian airports by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. In a detailed interview with The Guardian, Aligbe, who serves as the Managing Director of Belujane Konzult, asserted that such a move falls outside the ministry's legal jurisdiction and should be handled exclusively by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Distinction Between Infrastructure and Services
Aligbe emphasized a clear separation between airport infrastructure and services, stating that only infrastructure concessions are within the government's purview, while services like access control, parking, and retail operations are the responsibility of FAAN. He explained that modern airports globally have shifted from relying on aeronautical revenue to non-aeronautical streams, and FAAN, under Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, has successfully increased earnings from these sources from about 20% to over 30% in the past two years.
He elaborated, "FAAN does not own the airport; it's just a manager. The government owns the airport, which is why it could concession Enugu Airport as an infrastructure. Services at the airport are FAAN's business, but infrastructure concessioning involves higher authorities like the ministry and board."
Recommendations for Service Management
Aligbe argued that access gate operations should be managed through service level agreements (SLAs) rather than concessions, claiming FAAN would generate more revenue by handling the service directly under such agreements. He advocated for the adoption of automated, cashless entry systems to eliminate human interference and enhance transparency. However, he criticized the current rollout of cashless systems at Lagos airport as poorly implemented, suggesting a pilot scheme in two or three airports before nationwide deployment.
On revenue potential, he cited the Asaba Airport gate, where daily earnings reportedly surged from N10,000-15,000 to N75,000 after concessioning, but stressed that automation, not concession, is key to addressing systemic loopholes.
Broader Concerns and Warnings
Aligbe attributed recurring crises in Nigeria's aviation sector to policy inconsistencies and excessive ministerial interference. He noted that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) should only be involved in infrastructure concessions, not service agreements. Additionally, he warned of potential resistance from labour unions, referencing past disputes where private operators like I-CUBE West Africa Maevis Nigeria Ltd were dislodged from revenue points due to union actions and management collusion.
He cautioned that similar conflicts could arise if Minister Keyamo proceeds with concessing access gate services, underscoring the need for clear regulatory boundaries and stakeholder consultation.
