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The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has confirmed that the formal concession agreement for Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, has been vetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice, marking a major milestone in the Federal Government’s push to modernise critical infrastructure via Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
In a statement signed by ICRC Director-General Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, the Commission said the concession followed established regulatory frameworks designed to ensure transparency, value for money, and investor confidence. Regulatory guidance included business case certification, due diligence, negotiations, Federal Executive Council approval, and Ministry of Justice vetting, all in line with the ICRC Establishment Act.
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Ewalefoh noted that the concession is expected to enhance the airport’s role as a vital gateway for the South-East, improving domestic and international connectivity, supporting tourism, trade, and wider economic growth. He added that the deal aligns with ICRC efforts to streamline PPP processes, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and accelerate national infrastructure delivery.
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The concession, signed on January 21, 2026, by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, is part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform agenda aimed at attracting private investment, improving service quality, and boosting Nigeria’s global aviation competitiveness.
The airport, a strategic South-East asset, handles passenger traffic, cargo, and commercial activities, and the concession process—over 70% complete as of April 2025—has been led by the Federal Government in collaboration with private investors, with the Enugu State Government projecting completion by the second quarter of 2025.
