Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday hinted that five Nigerian airports are set for concession.
Keyamo, who made this known while receiving the Regional Vice President Africa and Middle East of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in his Abuja office, said the airports being considered for concession include Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International airport, Lagos, Port Harcourt International airport, Aminu Kano International Airport and Akanu Ibiam International airport, Enugu.
The Minister explained that the level of infrastructure decay within the aviation industry has made it imperative for the government to invite private investors to partner with the government in an urgent infrastructure upgrade programme, noting that going by its geographical location, Nigeria is the aviation hub for Africa and the world at large.
He, therefore, called on investors to avail themselves of the opportunity, stating that Nigeria’s aviation industry is ripe for both local and foreign investors.
He stated that with the coming back of Italian Airline and United Arab Emirate, the Nigeria aviation sector is about to wear a new look and the government is putting a lot in place to open the market for all operators.
Regional Vice President Africa and Middle East-International Air Transport Association Kamil Awdhi remarked that the essence of the visit was to express the willingness of IATA to offer an advisory role to Nigeria in the concession process.
He described Nigeria as a big market that no investor could afford to look away FROM and promised that IATA as an Advisor has no financial cost to Nigeria,assuring that IATA is ready to support Nigeria to develop her aviation sector, because the country is in the eyes of the world as far as the aviation industry is concerned.
He disclosed that IATA is on the verge of signing MoU with NCAA to audit all aircraft flying in Nigeria.
