By Chimdiogo Amuh 

Aviation experts and labour unions have faulted the Federal Government’s decision to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, citing concerns over transparency, stakeholder inclusion, and the processes that culminated in the deal.

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development recently announced that the Minister, Festus Keyamo, had formally signed a concession agreement for the airport with Aero Alliance Limited, describing the move as a key step in the government’s efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through public-private partnerships.

According to the ministry, while the main concession agreement has been concluded, outstanding operational matters, including security charges and the financial model for airport operations, are expected to be resolved in the coming weeks to ensure smooth implementation.

However, the agreement has continued to attract criticism from industry stakeholders, particularly over the criteria used in selecting the concessionaire and the absence of a clearly defined competitive bidding process. Earlier reports suggesting an 80-year concession arrangement had also sparked controversy, although the minister later clarified that the concession period is 30 years.

Speaking on the development, retired Group Captain and aviation analyst, John Ojikutu, expressed support for the concession of international airports but argued that the tenure should not exceed 20 years. He said a shorter period would enable government to properly assess the financial viability and profitability of such arrangements.

Ojikutu further maintained that airport concessions should focus largely on non-aeronautical services and warned against concessioning international airports in isolation. He suggested that each international airport should be bundled with at least four domestic airports to prevent government resources from being overstretched.

In a differing view, aviation consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Belujane Konzult, Mr Chris Aligbe, said a 30-year concession period is consistent with global aviation practice. He stressed that public debate should centre more on the terms, financial structure, and operational obligations contained in the agreement rather than its duration.

Meanwhile, aviation labour unions — the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) — have rejected the concession agreement, alleging that workers’ representatives were sidelined during the process.

In a joint letter to the Minister dated January 26, the unions claimed that no binding agreement was signed to address labour issues, describing the process as incomplete and lacking transparency. They warned that the development has triggered agitation among Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff nationwide and called on the government to reverse the concession to allow for proper engagement with all stakeholders.