The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has refuted media reports claiming that the Federal Government has finalized a concession duration for Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu. The clarification follows recent scrutiny of the airport after Air Peace suspended flights due to infrastructural issues, prompting the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to temporarily close the facility for emergency runway repairs.
In a statement issued on Monday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Keyamo described the report as “false, unfounded, and intended to cause unwarranted disaffection.” He confirmed that while the government is evaluating concession proposals for five major airports, including Enugu, no decisions have been made regarding the duration or terms of any concession.
Moshood explained that many Nigerian airports, including AIIA, operate at a loss and require monthly government subsidies, underscoring the need for concessions to ensure they meet international standards. “The initiative to concession started under previous administrations,” the statement noted, adding that proposals from prospective concessionaires are under review by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) before being presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
To ensure transparency, Keyamo directed months ago that Aviation Labour Unions be included in the negotiating teams. Moshood emphasized that the minister, known for his transparent leadership, is committed to decisions that serve the nation’s and aviation sector’s best interests. “The Minister will not allow anything untoward to happen under his watch,” he stated.
The ministry urged the public to disregard reports suggesting a predetermined concession duration, attributing such claims to parties with “entrenched interests” seeking to undermine the process.
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