The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken another step “towards repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector for improved efficiency, infrastructure development and enhanced private-sector participation with the signing of the concession agreement for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt with PH Airport Limited.”
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister, Mr. Tunde Moshood said, “the landmark agreement was signed at the office of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who led the Federal Government delegation, while the concessionaire was led by its Group Managing Director, Mr. Eyo Asuquo.”
The statement added that the event brought together “key stakeholders in the aviation industry, including the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Directors of the Ministry; and Aviation Unions Leaders.”
The statement stated that “in a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement and industrial harmony, proceedings commenced with a private meeting between the Honourable Minister and the leadership of aviation unions. The engagement provided an opportunity for extensive consultation on the concession process, particularly its implications for aviation workers and the future of the airport.”
Speaking on behalf of the aviation union leaders, Comrade Ben Nnabue expressed “the unions’ approval of the concession agreement, stating that their endorsement followed assurances and confirmation that no aviation worker would lose his or her job as a consequence of the arrangement.”
According to the statement the Group Managing Director of PH Airport Limited, Mr. Eyo Asuquo highlighted “the concessionaire’s commitment to transforming the airport through improved infrastructure, enhanced operational standards and increased economic activities”, assuring that the company would leverage “Port Harcourt’s strategic location within the Gulf of Guinea to attract increased economic activities and strengthen its position as an important aviation and commercial hub.”
Mr. Moshood said that following the engagements, “the Honourable Minister presided over the formal signing of the concession agreement, after which the concessionaire and relevant officials of the Ministry endorsed the documents, marking the successful completion of the formal execution process.”
The statement added that “The participation and approval of the aviation union leaders, alongside the commitments made by the concessionaire, underscored the importance attached to protecting workers’ interests while pursuing private-sector-led investment and development in the aviation sector.”
