No Deal Yet: Aviation Ministry Denies Concession Agreement for Enugu International Airport
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has debunked reports circulating online that the Enugu International Airport has been concessioned for an agreed period, describing the claims as false, premature, and misleading.
In an official statement released on Monday in Abuja, the Ministry said no agreement had been finalized regarding the concession of the airport. The rebuttal was issued by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN).
“There is no fixed duration agreed upon for the concession of Enugu International Airport, or any conclusive deal reached,” Moshood said.
🛫 The Bigger Picture: Concessions in Progress — But Not Yet Final
The Ministry acknowledged that the federal government is actively considering concession proposals for five major airports — a move driven by the need to improve infrastructure and reduce fiscal pressure on the aviation sector.
“Many of our airports are currently operating at a loss and must be subsidized monthly. Concessioning is a proactive solution aimed at ensuring sustainability and global standards,” the statement read.
The five airports under review — including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu — are at different stages of the evaluation process.
🔍 What’s Actually Happening?
- Proposals have been received from prospective concessionaires, each suggesting varying timelines and models.
- No duration or structure has been agreed upon for any of the airports.
- Evaluation is ongoing by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), which must approve any final terms before submission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to the Ministry, the process is being handled with full transparency, in line with Keyamo’s directive to include aviation labour unions in the negotiation committees to ensure broad stakeholder participation.
🚨 Why the Ministry is Pushing Back
The Ministry warned that unverified reports and “premature speculation” about concession agreements could undermine public trust and create unnecessary tension, particularly among aviation workers and state stakeholders.
“The false narrative of a predetermined concession duration is designed to stir mistrust and push vested interests,” Moshood said.
He added that Minister Keyamo has maintained a zero-tolerance policy for opaque transactions, and remains committed to transparency, accountability, and national interest.
✈️ What This Means for the Aviation Sector
The concession model — if completed — could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s aviation reform agenda. With most federal airports running below cost-recovery levels, experts say public-private partnerships are the most viable route to sustainability.
However, BRANDECONOMY notes that the process remains delicate. The tension between transparency, labour concerns, and investor confidence means the Ministry must walk a fine line.
🧭 What’s Next?
- Expect ICRC’s evaluation report in the coming months.
- Final concession plans will need FEC approval before implementation.
- Labour unions and state governments are expected to maintain pressure for inclusion and clarity.
- Investors and concessionaires are watching closely for signs of regulatory certainty and transparency.
📌 Insight for Investors & Stakeholders:
BRANDECONOMY will continue tracking Nigeria’s aviation PPP strategy, including upcoming policy announcements, investment calls, and regulatory frameworks affecting key assets. Subscribe to BRANDECONOMY Infrastructure Watch for exclusive updates.
