FG Denies Report On Enugu Airport Concession
The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised a media report asserting that an agreement has been reached regarding the concession duration for Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu.
Recently, Enugu Airport faced significant media attention following the suspension of flight operations by Air Peace Airlines, attributed to infrastructural deficiencies.
The suspension of flight services led the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to promptly close the airport, indicating that it would initiate efforts to rehabilitate the runway in an emergency.
Keyamo characterised the report as inaccurate in a statement issued on Monday by Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications, to the Minister.
The minister recognised that the government was evaluating concessions and had received proposals from multiple interested companies; however, he indicated that no final decision had been made.
Moshood observed that numerous airports across the nation function at a deficit and require monthly subsidies from the government, underscoring the necessity for concessions.
The statement partially states: “While it is accurate that the Federal Government is evaluating proposals for the concession of five major airports, this initiative is a forward-thinking approach to guarantee that these essential facilities can achieve and uphold international standards in light of the growing financial pressures associated with their operations.” Numerous airports are currently operating at a deficit, necessitating monthly subsidies from the federal government. The initiative to privatise airport operations originated under previous administrations.
“At this stage, potential concessionaires have submitted a range of proposals, encompassing various durations for the concessions.” The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not set a specific duration, which is an important point to highlight. All submitted proposals are currently undergoing a comprehensive evaluation process and will subsequently be reviewed by the ICRC prior to being presented to the minister for further transmission to the FEC for approval.
We want to let you know that the review process is still ongoing. For the sake of transparency, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, issued a directive several months ago to include the aviation labour unions in the negotiating teams.
“It is essential to assert clearly that the claims regarding a predetermined concession duration are inaccurate, baseless, and aimed at fostering unnecessary discontent and distrust in this process by individuals with vested interests.” Moshood further stated, “Given his training and proven track record, the minister will ensure that nothing inappropriate occurs under his supervision.” He has thus far managed the ministry with transparency and is committed to avoiding the errors of previous administrations. All decisions will be made with a focus on the best interests of the nation and the aviation sector.