The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement transferring the management of the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, to a private operator, PH Airport Limited, in a move aimed at improving airport infrastructure, operational efficiency and economic activities.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Group Managing Director of PH Airport Limited, Eyo Asuquo, following consultations with aviation labour unions.
The development was disclosed on Thursday in a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, the minister’s media aide.
As part of the agreement, the Federal Government assured aviation workers that the concession would not result in job losses, addressing concerns raised by organised labour over the implications of private-sector involvement in airport management.
The aviation unions, led by Ben Nnabue, endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances from the government and the concessionaire regarding workers’ welfare and employment security.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Nnabue said protecting workers’ interests remained a major consideration in their assessment of the concession arrangement.
He stressed that organised labour would not support any agreement capable of threatening the livelihoods of aviation workers, adding that their endorsement followed extensive consultations on the future of the airport and the implications of the arrangement.
Meanwhile, Asuquo said the concessionaire intended to transform the Port Harcourt airport into a major aviation and commercial hub, leveraging the city’s strategic position within the Gulf of Guinea.
He explained that the company’s vision extended beyond taking over the airport’s management to include substantial investments in infrastructure, improved operational standards and the expansion of economic opportunities around the facility.
According to him, the planned investments would stimulate airport-related businesses, attract additional economic activities and create employment opportunities.
“Our vision goes beyond taking over the management of the airport. We are committed to driving development, expanding opportunities and creating additional jobs through investments and the growth of airport-related activities,” Asuquo said.
He added that the company hoped to unlock the airport’s economic potential and strengthen Port Harcourt’s position as an important gateway for regional commerce, investment and connectivity.
Keyamo, who presided over the signing ceremony, had earlier held a closed-door meeting with aviation union leaders to address their concerns and secure their understanding of the concession process.
The meeting was attended by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; senior officials of the aviation ministry and representatives of aviation labour unions.
The concession represents another move by the Federal Government to attract private-sector investment into Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, with expectations that improved management and capital investment will enhance airport services and strengthen the country’s aviation sector.
However, the implementation of the agreement and the concessionaire’s ability to deliver on its infrastructure, operational and employment commitments will be critical to determining its long-term impact on the airport and its workforce.
