The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu State, in a move aimed at attracting private sector investment to improve airport operations and boost economic activities in the South East.
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) described the development as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s strategy to deploy Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the upgrade of critical national infrastructure.
In a statement, the commission said the agreement was executed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on behalf of the Federal Government, while Aero Alliance Limited signed as the private concessionaire.
According to the ICRC, the concession is expected to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and increase passenger and cargo traffic at the airport, thereby strengthening trade, tourism, and investment in the region.
The commission noted that the partnership aligns with the government’s broader economic reform agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development as a catalyst for growth and job creation.
It added that private sector participation would bring in technical expertise, modern management practices, and sustainable funding required to upgrade facilities at the airport to international standards.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in all concession arrangements, assuring stakeholders that the agreement was executed in line with established regulatory and procurement frameworks.
The Akanu Ibiam International Airport serves as a major aviation gateway to the South East, and the concession is expected to further position the region as a hub for business, travel, and regional connectivity.
