The Federal Government has taken a significant step in reshaping Nigeria’s aviation landscape with the formal signing of a concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN. The agreement represents a major policy milestone, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to upgrading critical aviation infrastructure through structured and transparent Public Private Partnerships designed to improve efficiency, service delivery, and long term sustainability.

Keyamo described the concession as more than a contractual exercise, framing it as part of a broader strategy to modernise airport operations across the country while reducing financial strain on the government. According to him, the Enugu airport deal signals a shift toward private sector driven expertise and capital, which he said are essential for bringing Nigerian airports up to international standards and ensuring they remain competitive within the West African aviation market.

On the same day, the minister also hosted the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who led a delegation of top state officials on a courtesy visit aimed at accelerating plans to establish an indigenous airline for Edo State. The proposed airline is expected to operate from Benin Airport and form a central pillar of the state’s economic revitalisation agenda. Discussions during the visit focused on practical steps required to move the project from concept to reality within the shortest possible time.

Read also: France Probes Deaths Of Two Babies After Powdered Milk Recall

Governor Okpebholo stressed that aviation plays a strategic role in economic growth, arguing that a functional state backed airline would significantly boost investor confidence, ease business travel, and stimulate job creation across multiple sectors. He revealed that Edo State was already engaging potential partners, including investors from South Africa who have indicated readiness to provide aircraft to support the airline’s launch. The governor made it clear that his administration was eager to see the airline commence operations without delay, describing it as critical to repositioning Benin as a major commercial and logistics hub.

Responding, Keyamo praised the initiative as forward looking and well timed, noting that Benin Airport once occupied an important place in Nigeria’s aviation history during the era of the now defunct Okada Air. He expressed confidence that with the right planning, regulatory discipline, and investment structure, the airport could regain its former prominence and serve as a strong regional hub once again.

To ensure momentum and avoid bureaucratic delays, the minister announced the creation of a joint technical committee tasked with driving the project forward. He requested the Edo State government to nominate a focal person who would work directly with the ministry’s Director of Air Transport Management. The committee is expected to meet regularly and submit weekly reports, focusing on regulatory approvals, operational planning, and coordination between all stakeholders.

Keyamo assured that if collaboration remains smooth and timelines are respected, Benin Airport could achieve full operational readiness between the first and second quarters of the year, marking a new chapter for aviation driven development in Edo State.