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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
This even as the Minister set in motion plans for the launch of an indigenous airline for Edo State.
Executing the concession agreement for the Enugu Airport, Keyamo described the development as a landmark achievement in government’s drive to modernise aviation infrastructure through transparent public-private partnerships.
Earlier, the Minister received the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who paid a strategic courtesy visit to advance discussions on the immediate activation of an indigenous airline for the state, to operate from Benin Airport.
Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by key members of his cabinet, described aviation as a catalyst for Edo State’s economic revival, investment attraction and job creation.
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He disclosed that the state was already exploring partnerships, including with South African investors willing to provide aircraft for the airline’s take-off.
“If I have my way, I want this airline to kick off immediately. Edo State needs a strong aviation presence to open up our economy and reposition Benin as a major hub,” the governor said.
In response, Keyamo welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and visionary, recalling the historic role of Benin Airport as a major hub during the era of the defunct Okada Air and expressed confidence that it could reclaim that status.
To fast-track the project, the Minister announced the establishment of a technical committee, requesting the governor to nominate a focal person to work closely with the Ministry’s Director of Air Transport Management.
The committee, he said, would report weekly to ensure effective coordination, regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
“With proper collaboration, Benin Airport should be fully operational between the first and second quarters of this year,” Keyamo assured.
