News-Flash: President Tinubu-Led Government Commences Review Of Airport-Concession Process

News-Flash: President Tinubu-Led Government Commences Review Of Airport-Concession Process

In a bid to enhance transparency and elevate the standard of Nigeria’s major airports to international levels, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that the Bola Tinubu-led federal government has commenced the review of the airports’ concession process.

Addressing the press during a ministerial briefing in Abuja to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office, Keyamo emphasized the importance of ensuring that the concession process aligns with global standards. He revealed that President Tinubu has given approval for the comprehensive review of the concession process, aimed at optimizing the operations of these airports.

Keyamo underscored the necessity of developing a master plan for the major airports across the nation, emphasizing that public infrastructure must be managed efficiently, akin to private enterprises, to maximize their potential.

“The review of the concession process is to ensure it is more transparent to deliver world-class infrastructure,” Keyamo stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in the management of public assets.

Furthermore, Keyamo reiterated the government’s intention to fully concession the airports and operate them as private businesses, a move intended to enhance efficiency and service delivery. President Tinubu’s directive, according to Keyamo, is to pursue excellence and select the most qualified partners for the concession.

The process of airport concession in Nigeria has been ongoing, with the federal government initiating the bidding process for the concession of four major international airport terminals in August 2021. These airports include Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, and Port Harcourt International Airport.

While preferred and reserve bidders were announced in October 2022, the concession plans were temporarily suspended by Keyamo in August 2023, shortly after his appointment as Minister. However, with the recent announcement, it appears that the government is resuming its efforts to modernize and optimize Nigeria’s airport infrastructure for the benefit of all stakeholders.

As the review process unfolds, stakeholders will keenly observe developments, anticipating a transparent and efficient concession process that will position Nigeria’s airports as hubs of excellence in the global aviation landscape.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr