FG hands P’H airport to private operator

File: Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, with PH Airport Limited, assuring aviation workers that the arrangement will not lead to job losses.

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 between the minister and aviation labour unions.

This was made known through a statement by the minister media aide, Tunde Moshood, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the unions, led by Ben Nnabue, endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances that no aviation worker would lose his or her job as a consequence of the concession.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, Nnabue said workers’ welfare and job security remained central to their consideration of the agreement, stressing that organised labour would not support an arrangement that threatened the livelihoods of its members.

He further said the unions were satisfied with the assurances received from the government and the concessionaire, adding that their endorsement followed extensive engagement on the implications of the concession for workers and the future of the airport.

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Speaking at the signing ceremony, Asuquo described Port Harcourt’s strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea as an advantage that could transform the airport into a major gateway for regional commerce, investment and connectivity.

He said the company’s ambition went beyond assuming management of the facility, explaining that it was committed to investing in infrastructure, raising operational standards and expanding economic activities around the airport.

“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.

“We want to unlock the enormous potential of this airport, leveraging Port Harcourt’s strategic location within the Gulf of Guinea to attract more economic activities and strengthen its position as an important aviation and commercial hub,” he added.

Keyamo, who presided over the formal signing, had earlier held a private 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; directors of the ministry and aviation union representatives.

Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His work focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism.