The Federal Government has formally handed over Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, to concessionaires Aero Alliance Limited under a public‑private partnership.
With handover certificates, an assets register and other papers signed, Aero Alliance will now finance, rehabilitate, expand, operate and manage the airport to meet and sustain international standards of safety, efficiency and passenger experience. Governor Peter Mbah called the concession a major breakthrough and a new economic opener for the South East. Aero Alliance vowed to make AIIA “one of Africa’s leading regional aviation, logistics, and commercial hubs.”
At the ceremony, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo praised President Bola Tinubu and Governor Mbah for reviving a long‑stalled plan. He stressed the federal–state partnership and warned against job fears, saying the deal would create jobs, not cut them. He also told the concessionaires plainly: “We expect Aero Alliance Limited to discharge its responsibilities with the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, operational excellence, and commitment to safety.”
ICRC Director‑General Dr. Jobson Ewalefor thanked President Tinubu and lauded Mbah’s grit and global credibility, noting the governor’s role in attracting capital: “That we are here today is because of the reputation of the governor. His reputation attracted the capital. Governor Peter Mbah is a miraculous governor. He has been coming to Abuja all the time for this. You can see when someone is prepared. You can see that he is very strategic and methodical in what he is doing.”
Governor Mbah hailed the move as transformational: “It opens a new chapter of economic possibilities because businesses across our region have for long grappled with logistics constraints that increased costs, lengthened delivery timelines, and limited competitiveness.” He urged more investors to come to Enugu.
Aero Alliance MD Saleem Hussain promised to deploy the consortium’s 30+ years of aviation experience on connectivity, cargo, passenger experience, commercial development and technology. FAAN and state officials pledged to make the concession work for regional and national benefit.
