FG Debunks Reports on Concession of Enugu International Airport

The Federal Government has dismissed reports circulating online that claim a fixed concession period has been agreed upon for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

In a press release issued by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Ministry described the reports as “baseless and untrue.”

According to the statement, while the Federal Government is indeed reviewing proposals for the concession of five major airports, including Enugu, no final decision has been made regarding the terms or duration of the concession. The process remains under evaluation, with proposals yet to be reviewed by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Moshood clarified that the initiative is aimed at ensuring Nigerian airports meet global standards amidst increasing operational costs, which have forced the government to subsidize many airport operations monthly. He emphasized that this concession plan predates the current administration and is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the aviation sector.

“For the sake of transparency, the Honourable Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN, directed some months ago that aviation labour unions be included in the negotiation process,” the statement read.

The Ministry cautioned against misinformation, noting that false narratives around the concession process are potentially harmful and may be driven by vested interests attempting to derail the process.

Moshood reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to due process and transparency, stating that Minister Keyamo remains dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of the sector and ensuring that all decisions serve the best interests of the nation.

The concession process, once finalized, will undergo proper scrutiny and approval procedures to guarantee fairness and long-term viability for the country’s aviation infrastructure