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  • FG boost south eastern economy through PPP, signs Enugu Airport concession

    FG boost south eastern economy through PPP, signs Enugu Airport concession

    The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has hailed the signing of the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, describing it as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to deploy Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to modernise critical national infrastructure, and a major boost for the South-Eastern economy.

    The PPP agreement, signed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on behalf of the Federal Government, underscores the growing momentum of PPPs as a central pillar of infrastructure delivery under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The transaction was undertaken under the regulatory guidance of the ICRC, which ensured compliance with the national PPP framework that included the certification of the Business Cases, due diligence, negotiations, approval by the Federal Executive Council, and vetting of the Concession Agreement by the Federal Ministry of Justice, before the contract was executed, in line with the ICRC Establishment Act.

    Commenting on the development, the Director General of ICRC, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, described the signing as a strong signal of Nigeria’s readiness to deepen private sector participation in infrastructure development, noting that the transaction marks the project’s commercial close and sets the stage for full implementation in the coming phases.

    Read Also: FG signs PPP deal to upgrade Enugu Airport

    “This concession will strengthen the airport’s role as a vital gateway for the Southeast States by enhancing connectivity and providing essential links to domestic and international destinations—supporting tourism, trade and broader economic growth across the region,” he said.

    He said the concession demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to unlock private capital, improve service delivery, and reposition strategic national assets for long-term sustainability in line with global best practice.

    He said that the Enugu Airport concession aligns with the Commission’s ongoing efforts to streamline PPP processes, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and accelerate project delivery, with far-reaching implications for economic expansion across all sectors and regions of the country.

    He further explained that, as Nigeria’s PPP regulator, ICRC provided regulatory guidance and transaction assurance to ensure the process aligns with established PPP frameworks, safeguards value for money, and strengthens investor confidence.

    Dr. Ewalefoh commended the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his relentless efforts and strategic commitment to positioning the state as a key economic destination, noting that such proactive leadership and sustained engagement are critical to delivering transformational infrastructure outcomes.

    He urged other state governments to emulate the growing example set by subnational leaders—such as the Governors of Enugu, Ondo, Cross River and Lagos States, among others—who are leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to attract investment, accelerate infrastructure delivery and drive inclusive economic growth in their states.

    He also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his leadership and instrumental role in driving reforms and advancing private sector participation in the aviation sector, as well as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and all transaction partners for reaching commercial close, reaffirming ICRC’s commitment to supporting Ministries, Departments and Agencies as implementation progresses in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • FG signs PPP deal to upgrade Enugu Airport

    FG signs PPP deal to upgrade Enugu Airport

    The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State, a move aimed at bringing in private sector investment to improve the airport and strengthen economic activities in the South East.

    The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission described the agreement as an important step in the government’s plan to use Public-Private Partnerships to upgrade key national infrastructure and attract more business and travel to the region.

    In a statement, the commission said the agreement was signed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on behalf of the Federal Government, while Aero Alliance Limited signed as the private company taking over the operation of the airport under the concession.

    “The PPP agreement, signed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on behalf of the Federal Government and the concessionaire, Aero Alliance Limited, underscores the growing momentum of PPPs as a central pillar of infrastructure delivery under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement said.

    The ICRC explained that the deal followed all required government procedures. It said the process included checking and approving the business plans, carrying out detailed background checks, holding negotiations, getting approval from the Federal Executive Council and having the agreement reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Justice before it was finally signed, in line with the law that set up the commission.

    Speaking on the development, the Director General of ICRC, Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, said the signing shows that Nigeria is ready to allow more private companies to take part in building and managing public infrastructure. He said the deal marks the end of the negotiation stage and opens the way for full work to begin.

    “This concession will strengthen the airport’s role as a vital gateway for the Southeast States by enhancing connectivity and providing essential links to domestic and international destinations—supporting tourism, trade and broader economic growth across the region,” he said.

    Ewalefoh added that the agreement shows the Federal Government’s determination to attract private funding, improve services and make sure important national assets are managed in a way that will last for many years.

    He said the Enugu airport project fits into the commission’s wider efforts to make partnership projects move faster and improve cooperation between government agencies so that development can reach more parts of the country.

    He also explained that the ICRC, as the agency in charge of regulating public-private partnerships, made sure the entire process followed the right rules, gave good value for money and helped build confidence for investors.

    Read Also: FG signs concession agreement for Enugu airport

    The ICRC boss praised the Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for what he described as strong efforts to position the state as a place for business and investment. He said leadership like this is important for delivering major development projects.

    He encouraged other state governments to follow the example of states such as Enugu, Ondo, Cross River and Lagos, which he said are using partnerships with private companies to attract investment, speed up development and create economic opportunities for their people.

    Ewalefoh also praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his role in pushing reforms and encouraging private sector involvement in the aviation industry. 

    He commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and all partners involved in reaching this stage of the project.

    He said the ICRC will continue to support government ministries and agencies as work begins on the airport concession, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to improve infrastructure and grow the economy across the country.

  • FG reopens Enugu airport Monday

    FG reopens Enugu airport Monday

    The Federal Government has announced that Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, will reopen for flight operations on Monday, 28th April 2025.

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on April 18 announced that due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway, the runway would be shut down for emergency repairs. 

    The work was scheduled to begin on April 22nd and conclude before reopening on May 6, 2025. 

    During the closure, all scheduled flights to the airport were diverted to nearby airports. 

    Read Also: FG shuts Enugu airport runway; Air Peace, others suspend flight

    However, FAAN, in a statement on Saturday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, stated that rehabilitation works on the runway have been completed, and the runway is cleared for landings and takeoffs by the engineers working with FAAN.

    The Authority while thanking all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation while the airport was closed, apologised for the inconvenience.
    It also added that all actions were taken in the interest of safety.

  • FG reopens Enugu airport Monday

    FG reopens Enugu airport Monday

    The Federal Government has announced that Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, will reopen for flight operations on Monday, 28th April 2025.

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on April 18 announced that due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway, the runway would be shut down for emergency repairs. 

    The work was scheduled to begin on April 22nd and conclude before reopening on May 6, 2025. 

    During the closure, all scheduled flights to the airport were diverted to nearby airports. 

    Read Also: FG shuts Enugu airport runway; Air Peace, others suspend flight

    However, FAAN, in a statement on Saturday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, stated that rehabilitation works on the runway have been completed, and the runway is cleared for landings and takeoffs by the engineers working with FAAN.

    The Authority while thanking all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation while the airport was closed, apologised for the inconvenience.
    It also added that all actions were taken in the interest of safety.

  • FAAN closes Enugu airport for runaway rehabilitation

    FAAN closes Enugu airport for runaway rehabilitation

    The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, for emergency runway repairs.

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) disclosed that there is a significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway that requires emergency repairs.

    FAAN, in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, stated that the repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.

    FAAN, however, added that all flights to the airport will be diverted to nearby airports.

    The statement reads: “There is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway. Hence, emergency repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.

    “In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period.

    “As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.

    “FAAN appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports.”
    It apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.

    Reacting to the closure, United Nigeria Airlines, in a statement on Saturday, stated that all United Nigeria Airlines flights to and from Enugu, effective Saturday, 19th April, have been suspended.

    Read Also: Abuja, Lagos, Kano, PH, Enugu airports for concession

    It, however, rescheduled the flight for Saturday, 19th April, to operate to and from Chinua Achebe Airport, Anambra, for passengers willing to travel through Anambra.

    The statement by the Public Relations Officer of the airline, Chibuike Uloka reads: “We regret to inform you that due to the sudden and immediate closure of the runway/aerodrome at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enuguresulting from the poor state of the runway and related safety concerns—all United Nigeria Airlines flights to and from Enugu, effective Saturday, 19” April, have been suspended.

    “However, we understand the significant disruption this force majeure situation may cause to your Easter travel plans. As a result, we have rescheduled your flights for today, 19th April, to operate to and from Chinua Achebe Airport, Anambra should this be convenient for you. Passengers willing to travel through Anambra Airport are kindly advised to be at the airport at the scheduled flight time”.

  • FG to shut down Enugu Airport for repairs

    Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said Enugu Airport would  be closed down over the state of the runway. He said the airport would be degraded for international operations because the runway length is not ideal for such operations.

    He said the market, television masts and free trade zone needs to be relocated before the airport could be fit for safe flights. Sirika disclosed this in Lagos at  a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos. He also said Lagos International Airport terminal would be partially pulled down by Julius Berger Limited for major facelift that will cost N14 billion. This, he said will happen after the inauguration of the new terminal.

    Following safety concerns raised by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on potential air hazards in and around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the Enugu State Executive Council has ordered the immediate closure of Orie Emene Market near the airport.

    Read Also: Enugu Disco staff caught stealing prepaid metres

    Briefing newsmen after the council’s meeting on Friday, the state Commis sioner for Information, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe, disclosed that the council also closed the abattoir  near the airport and equally ordered the immediate removal of all illegal structures encroaching on the land of the airport. Mr. Anikwe added that “the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area has been directed to effect the immediate closure of the market.”

    He explained that “the State Executive Council had on 12th October, 2018 approved funds for relocation of the State Broadcast Mast on the approach of the runway to Okpatu Hill (Ugwu Rerenkwu) in Udi Local Government Area but the implementation of this project has been hampered by the disruptive activities of some youths in the community.”

    According to the information commissioner, “Enugu State government hereby directs immediate cessation of all hostilities against the project as any further interference will attract the full wrath of the law given that the government has paid all the necessary compensation. “The Traditional Rulers of Okpatu communities and Town Union Leadership are hereby called upon to ensure full compliance with the above directives.”

  • Union Bank reacts to EFCC $2.8M confiscated at Enugu Airport

    The Management of Union Bank has reacted to the arrest of two men by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Enugu Airport.

    The EFCC had on Friday paraded two men, alleged by the commission to be fraudsters caught with $2. 8 million.

    The bank in a series of tweets posted on its official twitter handle said the operation was licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “Movement of cash across states is routine for all banks. Bankers Warehouse is licensed by CBN to provide Cash-in-Transit services” the bank said.

    “We are surprised by the release of a news bulletin prior to the completion of @officialefcc investigation. This is a legitimate and routine operation consistent with banking”.

    Also, Bankers Warehouse, a company licensed by CBN to carry out both Cash Management (CM) and Cash-In-Transit (C-I-T) in a letter to the bank regulator said it was on a legitimate business.

    Bankers warehouse head operations, Lawrence Ijebor, said EFCC still detained it employees despite providing identification.

    The letter reads, “When questioned, they presented their identity cards identifying themselves as bankers warehouse employees on official CIT movementaand also provided the letter of authority provided by the bank covering that movement”.

    “Despite the information provided, the EFCC insisted on detaining our employees, taking possession of our goods and threatening to confiscate the currency, without making themselves available to our senior managers or other agencies familiar with our movements”.“

    We seek your intervention as our regulator, to address this issue of constant harassment of our staff, by security agencies.”

  • Union Bank reacts to EFCC $2.8M confiscated at Enugu Airport

    The Management of Union Bank has reacted to the arrest of two men by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Enugu Airport.

    The EFCC had on Friday paraded two men, alleged by the commission to be fraudsters caught with $2. 8 million.

    The bank in a series of tweets posted on its official twitter handle said the operation was licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “Movement of cash across states is routine for all banks. Bankers Warehouse is licensed by CBN to provide Cash-in-Transit services” the bank said.

    “We are surprised by the release of a news bulletin prior to the completion of @officialefcc investigation. This is a legitimate and routine operation consistent with banking”.

    Also, Bankers Warehouse, a company licensed by CBN to carry out both Cash Management (CM) and Cash-In-Transit (C-I-T) in a letter to the bank regulator said it was on a legitimate business.

    Bankers warehouse head operations, Lawrence Ijebor, said EFCC still detained it employees despite providing identification.

    The letter reads, “When questioned, they presented their identity cards identifying themselves as bankers warehouse employees on official CIT movementaand also provided the letter of authority provided by the bank covering that movement”.

    “Despite the information provided, the EFCC insisted on detaining our employees, taking possession of our goods and threatening to confiscate the currency, without making themselves available to our senior managers or other agencies familiar with our movements”.

    “We seek your intervention as our regulator, to address this issue of constant harassment of our staff, by security agencies.”

  • NDLEA uncovers drug cartel in Enugu Airport

    NDLEA uncovers drug cartel in Enugu Airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday said it has uncovered a suspected drug trafficking cartel at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson in Lagos, Mr Mitchel Ofoyeju, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    According to the statement, two officers of the agency, Daniel Goska and Ndubuisi Ughor, who are indicted and currently at large, have been summarily dismissed and declared wanted.

    “Other suspected members of the group include Ifeanyichukwu Dayson, a key member of the drug trafficking organisation, and Emmanuel Okorie an Operations manager with Ethiopian Airline,’’ it stated.

    It said one Henry Amaechi, a Supervisor, Passenger Service Department of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc and Jacob Ezeugwu a ticket and baggage staff at the airport were among the suspects.

    The statement quoted the NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, who described the mode of operation of the drug cartel as strange, as promising to adhere to global best practice in drug control.

    “No bad egg in the agency will escape justice. Notwithstanding the strange way the cartel operates, I am pleased that it was exposed and ultimately dislodged.

    “The Agency will continue to adopt superior drug control strategies in line with global best practice.

    “This is one sweet victory over criminal groups.

    “The NDLEA is committed to the eradication of narcotics from our country and will continue to look both inwards and outwards for subversive elements,” Giade stated.

    He also added that although drug barons were desperate, the agency was committed to dismantling of drug trafficking organisations in the country.

    The statement also stated that the activities of the group were exposed when narcotic officials aborted the exportation of 74.7kg of narcotic drug that tested positive for Ephedrine.

    “The drug was packed in three bags. Two of the bags weighing 50.7kg were destined for Maputo, Mozambique while the third bag weighing 24kg was destined for Johannesburg, South Africa.

    “The 74.7kg of Ephedrine had been properly marked as exhibits and tendered as evidence before a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu.

    “It was gathered from investigation that whenever the cartel had a consignment of drug, the airline operations manager will identify passengers on the flight whose bags are weighing less and tag the luggage in their names.

    “Once this is done, they will contact their partners at the airport of final destination with the tag numbers to receive the consignments.

    “These findings were further corroborated by the statements of the innocent passengers whose names were used to tag the bags containing the 74.7kg of Ephedrine.

    “When invited for questioning, it was discovered that they had no knowledge of the bags tagged in their names,” the statement stated.

  • Enugu airport gets tourism information desk

    Enugu airport gets tourism information desk

    In furtherance of its campaign for the promotion of domestic tourism, the management of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in partnership with Viko Group of Companies Limited has opened yet another tourism information desk at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State to boost passengers easy access to information on flights time, hotels and tourists sites in the country.

    Director-General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Uwechue Mbanfeo said that the NTDC’s information desk is part of the corporation’s efforts towards promoting domestic tourism. She recalled that the corporation’s collaboration with Viko Group of Companies Limited had earlier commissioned four information desks at airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Calabar and now Enugu. She also noted that Enugu State is one of the tourism friendly states and a major tourism hub in Nigeria.

    “Enugu State is a place to visit and a destination of choice for tourists of various inclinations. Enugu and Nsukka towns present tourism infrastructure for cultural, eco-tourism, sporting, business and conferences. The following facilities are prominent; The Nike Lake Resort, Enugu Polo Amusement Park, Enugu Zoological Garden, Nsukka Zoological Garden, Hotel Presidential, Ezeagu Tourist Complex, Dugudu Lakes and Ajali Owa Sandy Stream among others,” she said.

    She noted that “Nigeria has been solely dependent on the oil sector for many years. Nigerians are not encouraged to visit the various attractions from North to South, East to West to experience what God Almighty has endowed Nigerians with and we want Nigerians to take their life styles seriously, knowing that one’s health depends on leisure which is part of tourism. This is one of the things that promotes longevity of life. “Tourism is sustainable and a necessity in economy building and not a luxury,” she added.

    Mrs. Mbanefo however called for greater support from both private and government to promote domestic tourism activities in Nigeria in order to move away from total dependence on oil and create jobs for the teeming youth, alleviate poverty and reduce urban migration.

    CEO of Viko Group of Companies Mr. Lucky Kanu, said: “This information desk features a travel information portal for tourists with information on the aviation industry, ‘real time’ flight information can be personalized with alarm sent to customers phones as reminders of their scheduled flight time.”

    He noted that the portal is opened to provide information about attractions in Nigeria that are not known to tourists. “We are promoting domestic tourism in the country in order to increase revenue generation for the country, opening for job opportunities for our teeming unemployed youth”, he said.

    Kanu expressed his willingness and determination to collaborate with the NTDC to create job opportunities and will work on the existing partnership with NTDC to open more information desks in all major airports in Nigeria. He stated that “passengers can browse for free and view tourists sites, tourists activities, products, hotels, car hire services, events and festivals. Also they can make enquiries and book excursion trips to schools and holiday sightseeing within the country at no cost at all”.

    Kanu said the significance of the desk is much in terms of benefits as it would provide information on passengers’ flight with ease. “This will further create more awareness and increased traffic for the airport,” he said.

    The manager of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Mr. Mgbemene Ijiako commended the synergy between NTDC and Viko Limited which has resulted to the establishment of the NTDC Information Desk in Enugu International Airport, Enugu State.

    He said, “on behalf of the federal republic of Nigeria, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, I commission this Tourism Information Desk to the glory of God.”

    His Royal Highness Dr. Eze Chukwu Debelu II of Ibagwa Aka Nsukka, who was in attendance, described the information desk as a significant link for tourism promotion. “What Israel gets from tourism is more than what Nigeria gets from oil. But I pray as we open our eyes to grow the sector, we will harness the endowment for our good,” he noted.

    It will be recalled that tourism information desks have been opened at other airports such as Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, Murtala Mohammed Airport 2, Ikeja, General Aviation Terminal, Ikeja, Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar.