The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has resolved the concession dispute between the aviation unions and the concessionaire, Aero Alliance Consortium on the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The dispute was resolved at a high – level meeting convened by the Minister with key aviation unions : the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) in attendance to address outstanding concerns surrounding the controversial concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
,A statement signed by the Special Adviser On Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, said the meeting was held in the spirit of transparency and collaboration and that this provided a platform for frank discussions on workers’ welfare, job security, and the long-term sustainability of the airport under the proposed concession arrangement.
The statement said that following extensive and constructive dialogue facilitated by the Minister, all parties reached a mutually beneficial agreement that safeguards the interests of aviation workers while advancing the Federal Government’s infrastructure development objectives.
The statement added that as a major outcome of the meeting, the unions and the concessionaire formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) guaranteeing job security and the preservation of staff status for all employees affected by the concession process.
The agreement, the statement informed ensures that no worker will be unjustly displaced and that existing conditions of service will be respected in line with agreed terms.
The Minister commended the leadership of ATSSSAN, NUATE, and ANAP for their maturity, patriotism, and commitment to constructive engagement.
He reiterated that the Federal Government remains resolute in pursuing reforms that modernise aviation infrastructure without compromising the welfare and dignity of Nigerian workers.
“This administration believes strongly in dialogue, fairness, and inclusivity. Infrastructure development and workers’ welfare are not mutually exclusive. We will continue to ensure that every reform process is guided by compassion, equity, and national interest,” the Minister stated.
The resolution of the concerns surrounding the Akanu Ibiam International Airport concession marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
It underscores the Ministry’s dedication to balancing private sector participation with the protection of public sector workers and national assets.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to continuous engagement with stakeholders as it works to build a globally competitive, efficient, and sustainable aviation industry for Nigeria.
Recall that unions had kicked against the concession agreement, arguing that they were excluded from and that labour issues were not addressed
Now, that an agreement has been signed by the two parties and there is a truce, there are indications that peace will finally return to the airport.
The General Secretary of ATSSSAN, Comrade Frances Akinjole signed for ATSSSAN. the General Secretary of NUATE, Comrade, Sikiru Waheed signed for NUATE, while the Deputy Secretary General Ogheme Aba signed for ANAP.
The concessionaire,Aero Alliance Consortium was represented by Oyiwodu Eoga and Kester Enwereonu while the Permanent Secretary,Yakubu Kofameta, signed for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Director of Legal Services Bridget Gold, signed on behalf of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN)
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