FG concessions Enugu airport to boost South-East economy

Barbara Bako, Abuja.

The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as part of efforts to boost economic activity in the South-East through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) described the agreement as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s infrastructure modernisation drive, noting that it underscores the growing role of PPPs in national development.

The concession agreement was signed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on behalf of the Federal Government, under the regulatory oversight of the ICRC.

According to the Commission, the transaction followed due process under Nigeria’s national PPP framework, including certification of business cases, due diligence, negotiations, approval by the Federal Executive Council and vetting of the concession agreement by the Federal Ministry of Justice, in line with the ICRC Establishment Act.

Speaking on the development, the Director-General of ICRC, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, said the signing marked a key step in deepening private sector participation in infrastructure development and signals the project’s commercial close.

“This concession will strengthen the airport’s role as a vital gateway for the Southeast States by enhancing connectivity and providing essential links to domestic and international destinations—supporting tourism, trade and broader economic growth across the region,” he said.

Ewalefoh said the concession reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to unlock private capital, improve service delivery and reposition strategic national assets for long-term sustainability in line with global best practices.

He added that the Enugu Airport concession aligns with ICRC’s efforts to streamline PPP processes, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and accelerate project delivery across the country.

Read also:Gov Yusuf vows to prioritise ‘Kano Agenda’

The ICRC boss explained that the Commission provided regulatory guidance and transaction assurance to ensure the process complied with established PPP frameworks, safeguarded value for money and strengthened investor confidence.

Ewalefoh also commended the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his commitment to positioning the state as a key economic destination, urging other state governments to emulate subnational leaders leveraging PPPs to attract investment and accelerate infrastructure development.

He further praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his role in driving reforms in the aviation sector, as well as FAAN and other transaction partners for achieving commercial close.

The ICRC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ministries, Departments and Agencies as the implementation phase of the project progresses in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.