Over the past few weeks, talks have been circulating about the potential concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) located in Enugu. These dialogues highlight how significant the airport is to the residents of the Southeastern region from both an emotional, cultural, and economic standpoint. To numerous individuals, this airport serves as more than merely a place for travel; it stands as a symbolic representation of their regional identity, worldwide connectivity, and overdue integration into Nigeria’s broader aviation sector.
In simpler terms, considering the distinctive historical background—particularly the post-war history—of the Igbo people, one could compare the importance of the airport to how much Rangers International Football Club means to the residents of Southeastern Nigeria. The area received its first international airport quite late compared to the country’s other five regions, even though they are active traders and frequent travelers. However, their long-standing efforts finally led to the recognition of the airport as an international hub during the administration of Musa Yar’Adua. Ever since, various milestones have solidified its position: approval for upgrades under President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure via a federal executive council meeting held on October 19, 2010; financial support provided through interventions by members of the sixth national assembly representing Enugu State using allocated district budgets; significant progress made towards improving the runway during the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari; and numerous challenges, including instances suspected of being deliberate acts aimed at hindering development.
Hence, considering the importance of this infrastructure, it’s understandable that queries have emerged regarding the Federal Government’s ongoing concession efforts: Is the airport being privatized? Are private entities assuming control? What implications will this have for the South East region? Who is driving this initiative? Could this result in the loss of their sole international airport for the South East? These are legitimate worries—and they warrant transparent, accurate, and sincere responses.
To put it clearly, the airport itself is not up for sale. Instead, what’s proposed is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession—an internationally recognized approach enabling private sector funding for public facilities while maintaining public ownership and governmental control. Under this plan, an eligible private entity would be responsible for investing in, managing, and upkeep of the airport within a specified timeframe; however, federal and state authorities will keep complete oversight authority. This initiative does not constitute privatization but rather represents a strategic financial partnership.
It’s equally natural for worried individuals to ask themselves, “Why the concessioning?” The truth is that no one level of government can shoulder alone the financial and operational responsibility of maintaining, improving, and growing vital infrastructures such as international airports. This holds true for organizations like AIII, which serves as a perfect illustration.
Even though it holds the status of being one of Nigeria’s five international airports, Akunu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) still stands partly unfinished and isn’t up to full operational capacity according to global norms. Essential parts of its facilities remain unconstructed or necessitate major enhancements. Its effectiveness in operations is limited, with even the crucial runway—integral for both safety and performance—being temporarily closed recently because of emergency maintenance work. This situation highlights an immediate requirement for considerable financial input.
Thus, Ndigbo continue to express gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, along with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), for their prompt response and sustained cooperation in tackling these issues. The federal government’s current initiatives to place AIIA high on the agenda of national aviation development strategies provide a solid base for the planned concession—an endeavor poised to unleash the airport’s complete potential not just for the Southeast but also for the country as a whole.
The incorporation of the runway within the concession’s purview stands as the key element driving several extended-term concession plans currently under consideration, though they have yet to be finalized. While globally, airport concessions generally span between 25 to 30 years, these durations apply specifically to facilities that are completely built and operating. The AIIA calls for substantial funding not only for comprehensive development but also for enduring commitments regarding runway upkeep and performance standards. Consequently, the suggested conditions reflect both the magnitude of financial input needed and the prolonged period necessary for recouping investments, along with ensuring continuous top-tier service quality over time. These parameters aren’t chosen at random—they’re grounded in international norms and validated by the extensive nature of the tasks involved.
Once more, a key transformative aspect of the AIIA concession lies in establishing a brand-new cargo terminal constructed entirely from the ground up. This fresh initiative aims to pioneer a new era for the South East region, tapping into significant economic opportunities within export logistics, agricultural processing, pharmaceutical deliveries, e-commerce, and light manufacturing sectors.
This newly developed cargo terminal aims to align the region with international air cargo standards. It will cater to businesses throughout the five Southeastern states and further afield, establishing AIIA as a central point for passenger traffic as well as regional commerce and industrial growth.
Many people have rightfully wondered: Who is actually driving this project? And who serves as both the concessionaire and the technical collaborator? The entity responsible for this initiative is supported by Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP)—a company specializing in African infrastructure development known for successful ventures in logistics, transportation, and industrial complexes throughout the region. This organization is neither an opaque nor a hypothetical collective; various oversight entities such as the Federal Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, along with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), have assessed their capabilities and credibility through thorough inspections at key sites managed by Arise IIP.
Their participation lends technical expertise, financial capability, and globally recognized standards to guarantee that the initiative becomes an executable, financially viable, and transparent endeavor.
Another point to consider is Enugu’s position within these developments. Is Enugu merely an observer or a key player? Given that Enugu State serves as both the host and the advocate for this initiative, it clearly isn’t standing aside. From the beginning, the government of Enugu State has played a significant part in guiding this endeavor. With Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah at the helm, the state is not just protecting local interests; it is also integrating the project into its larger vision for multimodal transportation.
This strategy encompasses introducing Enugu Air, a government-backed carrier aimed at enhancing local connections. Additionally, it involves rolling out 200 contemporary compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to improve city transit. The initiative also entails finishing the development of multi-modal transportation centers in key locations such as Holy Ghost, Nsukka, Gariki, and Abakpa. Furthermore, constructing logistical hubs, truck stops, and automobile manufacturing facilities will be prioritized along with starting a regional railway expansion program alongside neighboring Southeastern regions. In this broader scheme, the AIIA agreement isn’t viewed separately; instead, it serves as a pivotal component within an overarching blueprint designed to establish Enugu and the South East region as dominant players in logistics and connectivity across West Africa and beyond.
As such, although valid concerns and constructive discussions are encouraged, it’s crucial to distinguish between reality and apprehension. This transaction isn’t a covert attempt at selling out; rather, it marks neither an adverse outcome nor the demise of our local pride with AIIA. Instead, this heralds the dawn of a more promising and daring chapter for air travel in Southeast Asia—one where the airport will genuinely benefit our community, enterprises, and upcoming generations. The focus lies on fostering regional wealth, generating employment opportunities, facilitating commerce, and revamping essential facilities.
AIIDA falls under the purview of the South East region; and this concession aims to guarantee its sustainable, professional, and economic growth – ultimately taking flight.
*Dr. Okolie, who holds a PhD, serves as a Management Consultant and previously held the position of State Director at the National Orientation Agency.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
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