The Federal Government has officially concessioned the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The agreement was signed on Thursday, 2026-06-26, at the airport’s new terminal by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
This move is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to modernise airport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and attract private sector investment into Nigeria’s aviation sector. It represents the first successful handover of the airport after more than two decades of stalled concession plans.
Minister Highlights Renewed Investor Confidence
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Keyamo noted that previous attempts to concession the airport had failed over the past 20 years, with investors primarily focusing on Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports. He stated that the successful transaction has renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector, with bids already being prepared for three additional airports.
Keyamo added that the Port Harcourt International Airport would also be concessioned within the next few weeks. He emphasized that this concession plan, which had been ongoing for about twenty years, only became possible under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Operational Responsibility and Strategic Partnerships
Under the agreement, Aero Alliance Limited assumes operational and management responsibility for the airport, becoming one of Nigeria’s pioneer airport concessionaires. Keyamo urged the company to deliver efficient airport operations, noting that its performance would serve as a benchmark for future airport concessions across the country.
The minister also disclosed that the Enugu concession was facilitated through collaboration with the Enugu State Government, commending Governor Peter Mbah for helping attract investors to the project. Furthermore, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate direct flight connectivity between Enugu and Guangzhou, China. This proposed route is expected to strengthen trade, tourism, and investment links between the South-East and China.
Worker Welfare and Historical Context
Addressing concerns over the impact of the concession on workers, Keyamo stated that aviation labour unions had initially challenged the programme in court but later withdrew their cases after engaging with the government. He assured airport employees that their welfare would be protected under the new arrangement, while emphasizing that airport operations would now be driven by private sector efficiency and accountability.
Governor Peter Mbah described the concession as a major milestone in Enugu State’s plan to position the city as a regional aviation, logistics, and investment hub in West Africa. The concession forms part of the Federal Government’s wider airport modernisation programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to leverage private capital to upgrade aviation infrastructure, improve passenger experience, and enhance the commercial viability of Nigeria’s airports.
Nairametrics first reported in January 2026 that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) confirmed the formal concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, had been vetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice. In April 2025, the Enugu State Government announced that the concession process for the airport was over 70% complete, having projected its conclusion by the second quarter of 2025.
