The Federal Executive Council has approved the Port Harcourt airport concession and other major aviation reforms, marking a significant step in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise air transport infrastructure, improve efficiency, and reduce operational losses in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approval while briefing State House correspondents after Thursday’s council meeting in Abuja.
He explained that the decision to hand over the Port Harcourt International Airport to private concessionaires was part of a broader strategy to strengthen service delivery and attract long-term investment into the aviation industry.
Keyamo, however, reassured aviation workers that the Port Harcourt airport concession would not result in job losses, countering fears raised by some labour unions within the sector.
“This is a message to the unions: we will engage them. Nobody will lose their job. I’m making this very clear because there has been all kinds of misinformation to union members,” Keyamo said.
“I am pro-union, pro-workers, and I know the kind of pressure they have been putting on me. But they will not dictate policies of the government.”
Renewed Investor Confidence in Port Harcourt Airport
The Minister revealed that prior to the current administration, the Port Harcourt International Airport had faced repeated challenges in attracting investors.
However, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, interest from both local and international concessionaires has surged.
“Before we came in, Port Harcourt was a no-go area.
Almost all investors shunned it. But since this government came on board, more than six serious bidders expressed strong interest.
We now have a viable business case approved,” Keyamo said.
The Port Harcourt airport concession aligns with Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Policy, which encourages private sector participation in the management of airports to ensure efficiency, profitability, and safety compliance.
Aviation Safety and Infrastructure Upgrades
Keyamo also disclosed that the FEC had approved all eight memoranda presented by the Aviation Ministry, including the procurement of 15 modern firefighting vehicles for the five major international airports — Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
“This decision aligns with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, which mandate member states to maintain adequate firefighting capacity to ensure passenger safety,” he said.
In addition, the Council approved the installation of tertiary power supply systems across all airports and 14 Very High Frequency (VHF) remote stations managed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
The measure aims to guarantee uninterrupted power for air navigation and communication services nationwide.
Biometric Flight Boarding System to Enhance Security
In a related development, the FEC also approved a biometric flight boarding system to curb identity fraud and strengthen national security within Nigeria’s aviation system.
“Too many anonymous people board aircraft using fake identities. That is not good for national security,” Keyamo explained.
“With this system, every passenger’s National Identification Number (NIN) will be linked to their boarding data, ensuring accurate verification.”
He said the move complies with ICAO standards and aligns with global aviation practices adopted in advanced countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
NAMA Headquarters Relocation and Airport Property Policy
Another key decision from the FEC was the construction of a permanent headquarters for NAMA in Abuja, following the agency’s relocation from Lagos.
Keyamo noted that the agency currently operates from rented buildings in the Federal Capital Territory.
He also clarified that all Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) properties within and around airport zones had been officially excluded from sale to private individuals.
“This is a public announcement to those who claim to have bought airport properties: such sales are invalid,” he declared.
“Airports are high-security environments. We need quarters for emergency personnel such as firefighters and security staff.”
Night Operations and Airport Lighting
The FEC equally approved contracts for runway and perimeter lighting at selected airports to enable night operations and improve airline capacity utilisation.
“Some airports still close as early as 6 p.m. due to lack of lighting facilities,” the Minister said.
“We are changing that. Soon, airlines will be able to operate until 10 or 11 p.m., which will expand capacity, increase revenue, and make the sector more competitive.”
Labour Engagement and Economic Impact
Addressing the concerns of aviation workers, Keyamo reaffirmed that no jobs would be lost as a result of the Port Harcourt airport concession, adding that the government remained committed to labour-friendly policies.
Analysts say the concession model could help Nigeria address long-standing inefficiencies in public airport management, reduce government expenditure, and attract billions in private investment.
Aviation consultant, Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd), told our correspondent, that the move was “a necessary step” toward sustainability. “Government cannot continue to fund airports that are underperforming.
A properly managed concession will bring professionalism and better customer service,” he said.
However, unions like the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) have repeatedly expressed skepticism, citing previous concessions that led to disputes over workers’ rights and asset ownership.
Keyamo’s assurance, they noted, would be tested by how transparent the process is.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Aviation Competitiveness
Experts believe the combined measures — including the Port Harcourt airport concession, biometric boarding, and infrastructure upgrades — signal a shift toward modern, technology-driven air travel management in Nigeria.
The introduction of biometric verification is expected to enhance airport security, while private sector participation could reduce operational delays, improve terminal facilities, and boost Nigeria’s chances of becoming a regional aviation hub.
The Federal Government has also emphasised that these reforms are part of the Renewed Hope Aviation Roadmap, which seeks to reposition the sector for global competitiveness by 2030.
As the government implements these policies, stakeholders say transparency, labour dialogue, and consistent regulatory oversight will determine whether the new concessions deliver the promised results for travellers and investors alike.
