The Federal Government has denied claims circulating online that a long-term concession agreement has been finalized for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
Officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development described the reports as “utterly baseless and untrue.”
In a statement issued to pressmen, Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, clarified that while the government is reviewing proposals for the concession of five major airports, no specific duration has been agreed upon for any of them, including Enugu.
According to Moshood, the concession initiative is a proactive step aimed at aligning Nigerian airports with global standards amid rising operational costs.
“Many of our airports are currently operating at a loss and require monthly subsidies from the Federal Government. Concessioning is being considered to enhance efficiency and sustainability,” he said.
He further explained that the process is still in the evaluation stage. “Various prospective concessionaires have submitted proposals, including different timelines.
However, the Ministry has not determined any fixed duration.
These proposals are undergoing rigorous assessment and will be reviewed by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) before being submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for final approval,” he stated.
To ensure transparency, Moshood noted that the Honourable Minister directed months ago that aviation labour unions be incorporated into the negotiation teams.
He added that any suggestion of a predetermined outcome is misleading and likely pushed by parties with entrenched interests. “These stories are meant to sow disaffection and mistrust in a process that is being managed openly and professionally,” Moshood said.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to due process, stating, “The Honourable Minister has consistently demonstrated transparency since assuming office and will not tolerate any impropriety. All decisions will be guided by national interest and sectoral development.”
