The Federal Government has refuted widespread reports suggesting it has approved a long-term concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, clarifying that discussions remain ongoing and no final decision has been reached.
In a statement issued Monday, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development described the reports as “utterly baseless and untrue.” The clarification was made by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.
According to the statement, while proposals for the concession of five major airports—including Enugu—are under review, no agreement or specific concession duration has been approved by the government.
“Our attention has been drawn to certain online reports/stories suggesting that a certain lengthy period of concession has been agreed upon regarding the Enugu International Airport. These reports/stories are utterly baseless and untrue,” the Ministry stated.
The government’s clarification appears to respond directly to online reports alleging that an 80-year concession for the airport had already been agreed upon. The Ministry debunked these claims, stressing that any final decision must pass through a rigorous review process involving key regulatory and executive bodies, including the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession. It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration,” Moshood added.
The Ministry also noted that the airport concession programme is not new to the current administration, but rather a continuation of efforts by previous governments to reduce financial burdens in the aviation sector. It disclosed that many Nigerian airports currently operate at a loss, depending on monthly government subsidies to remain functional.
The concession strategy, the Ministry explained, is aimed at engaging the private sector to help upgrade infrastructure, improve service delivery, and maintain global standards.
In reiterating its stance, the Ministry emphasized that it remains committed to ensuring all concession processes are handled with transparency, accountability, and in alignment with national interest. Minister Festus Keyamo, it said, is determined to uphold due process and ensure that any agreements reached are in the best interest of Nigerians.
