The Enugu State Government has announced that the concession process for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is over 70 per cent completed and should be concluded by the second quarter of 2025.
This was revealed by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Obi Ozor, during a television interview on Enugu Kwenu, a programme aired on Afia TV.
The commissioner stated that the process is being led by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Aviation in collaboration with private investors.
The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had recently countered allegations that the concession process had been concluded, adding that the ongoing process would be made transparent, devoid of any questionable actions or characters.
Both the minister and the commissioner held that once finalised, concessionaires will commence critical upgrades on the airport.
Ozor added that the upgrades would include the completion of the international terminal, cargo terminal, maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities, aircraft hangars, and runway extension.
He also said the Enugu State Government is finalising preparations for the launch of Enugu Air, a state-backed airline scheduled to begin operations in May 2025.
“The Federal Government has been supportive of the state. Some private investors are working tirelessly with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to conclude the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and of course, the immediate rehabilitation and operationalization of that airport.
“And we know that they have gone more than 70 per cent of the way in terms of the process, and we are hoping that the remaining 30 per cent should hopefully be completed in the second quarter of 2025.
“And that should allow them to be able to move in and get that international wing of the airport completed, including the cargo terminal, the maintenance, repair, overhaul, and other ancillary works that need to be done at the airport, such as extension of the runway and hangar,” he stated.
