FG Debunks False Reports on Concession of Enugu International Airport
The Federal Government has refuted recent media reports suggesting that a concession agreement of an extended duration has already been finalised for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, describing such claims as baseless and misleading.
In a press statement issued on Monday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Ministry clarified that no fixed concession duration has been agreed upon for the Enugu airport or any other facility under consideration.
The statement emphasised that while the government is indeed considering concession proposals for five major airports across the country, the process remains at the evaluation stage.
This initiative, which began under previous administrations, is part of a broader strategy to revitalise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and bring them in line with international standards, especially given the financial challenges many of the airports face.
“Many of our airports are presently running at a loss and must be subsidised each month by the Federal Government,” Moshood noted. “Concession is a proactive step to ensure that these vital national assets remain functional, competitive, and self-sustaining.”
According to the Ministry, several prospective concessionaires have submitted proposals with varying durations. However, these are still undergoing rigorous evaluation. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) will also review the proposals before any recommendation is made to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
To foster transparency and stakeholder engagement, the Minister had earlier directed that representatives from aviation labour unions be included in the negotiation process.
The Ministry firmly rejected claims that a specific duration had already been decided, describing them as deliberate attempts to sow discord and mistrust.
“We must state unequivocally that the information suggesting a predetermined concession duration is false, unfounded, and intended to cause unwarranted disaffection and mistrust in this process by those with entrenched interests,” the statement read.
Moshood reassured the public that the Ministry, under the leadership of Keyamo, is committed to a transparent process governed strictly by due process.
“With his training and track record, the Minister will not allow anything untoward to happen under his watch. He has so far run the Ministry in a transparent manner and will not fall into the same mistakes of the past,” he added.
The Ministry reiterated that all decisions on the concessioning process will be made in the best interest of the nation and the long-term viability of the aviation sector.
