The Enugu State Government has revealed that the long-anticipated concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is now over 70 percent complete, setting the stage for a new chapter in the state’s transportation and economic development. According to the state’s Commissioner for Transportation Obi Ozor, the process is expected to reach full completion by the second quarter of 2025.
The concession, led by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is being executed in collaboration with private investors. Contrary to recent speculation, the process has not yet been finalized. Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, emphasized in a recent statement that the ongoing negotiations will be conducted with full transparency, dismissing any suggestion that a deal had been secretly concluded.
Once finalised, the concession is expected to pave the way for a comprehensive transformation of the airport’s infrastructure. Key upgrades are set to include the completion of the long-awaited international terminal, as well as a dedicated cargo terminal, maintenance and overhaul facilities, aircraft hangars, and an extension of the airport’s runway. These improvements, government officials say, are crucial to unlocking the airport’s full potential as an international gateway and regional logistics hub.
In addition to the airport upgrades, Enugu State is preparing to launch its own airline. The state-backed carrier, aptly named Enugu Air, is on track to begin operations by May 2025. The airline represents a bold move by the state government to take a more active role in the aviation sector and strengthen regional connectivity.
Ozor noted that the federal authorities have been supportive of the state’s vision for the airport, and that private sector partners are working diligently to ensure a smooth and impactful transition. “We are optimistic that by the time the final 30 percent of the concession process is completed, we will witness a total transformation of the airport. This is not just about infrastructure it’s about reimagining the role Enugu can play in the global aviation space,” he said.
As the state moves toward positioning itself as a regional transport hub, the success of both the airport concession and the launch of Enugu Air will be closely watched not only by the aviation industry, but also by investors looking for signals of progress and opportunity in Nigeria’s southeastern region.
