Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has refuted reports circulating in the media suggesting that the Federal Government has agreed to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for 80 years.
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo clarified that while discussions are ongoing concerning the concession of five major airports in Nigeria, no final decision—especially on duration—has been made.
He acknowledged that the Federal Government is indeed considering proposals for airport concessions as part of a strategy to improve infrastructure and ensure the facilities meet international standards, particularly in light of the financial strain involved in maintaining them.
He noted that many of Nigeria’s airports currently operate at a loss and require monthly subsidies from the government.
According to the statement: “Our attention has been drawn to certain online reports/stories suggesting that a certain lengthy period of concession has been agreed upon regarding the Enugu International Airport. These reports/stories are utterly baseless and untrue.”
Keyamo also pointed out that the push for airport concessions began before his tenure.
“At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession,” the statement noted.
“It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration,” it continued.
“All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation that will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before it is presented to the Minister for conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.”
