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From Idu Jude, Abuja
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has hailed the signing of the concession agreement for Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s push to modernise critical national infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The development is also expected to provide a significant boost to 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 role of private sector participation as a key pillar of infrastructure delivery under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The transaction was executed under the regulatory oversight of the ICRC, ensuring compliance with the national PPP framework. This included certification of business cases, due diligence, negotiations, approval by the Federal Executive Council, and vetting of the concession agreement by the Federal Ministry of Justice, in line with the ICRC Establishment Act.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, Director General of ICRC, 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.
“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.
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Dr. Ewalefoh emphasised that the concession demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking private capital, improving service delivery, and repositioning strategic national assets for long-term sustainability in line with global best practices.
He further explained that the Enugu Airport concession aligns with ICRC’s ongoing efforts to streamline PPP processes, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and accelerate project delivery, with far-reaching implications for economic growth across all sectors and regions of the country.
As Nigeria’s PPP regulator, ICRC provided regulatory guidance and transaction assurance to ensure the process adheres to established PPP frameworks, safeguards value for money, and strengthens investor confidence.
Dr. Ewalefoh also commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State for his strategic leadership, noting that proactive engagement by sub-national leaders is critical to delivering transformational infrastructure. He encouraged other state governments, including Ondo, Cross River, and Lagos, to emulate such efforts to attract investment, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and drive inclusive economic growth.
He further praised Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for his leadership in advancing reforms and promoting private sector participation in the aviation sector, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts between federal and state actors in delivering impactful infrastructure projects.
