Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that Nigerian airports are operated at a financial loss without private sector involvement, stressing that the Federal Government could no longer sustain them profitably.
Keyamo, who spoke at the launch of Enugu State’s indigenous airline, Enugu Air, on Monday, said, “There is no government that can run airports again in Nigeria for profit.
“We are running the airports at a loss because we don’t have the drive of the private sector. I’m saying it openly, and I have no apologies.”
The minister addressed public concerns over the fate of the Enugu airport, clarifying that the facility was not being sold but concessioned to private investors.
“I have seen some comments saying, ‘No, we are selling Enugu airport out.’ We are concessioning it. The process is supported by Mr. President, by FAAN, by the Ministry of Aviation, and by the National Assembly committees.
“We are just in the process of handing Enugu airport to private investors who will come and make this place open, including the cargo terminal,” he said.
According to Keyamo, the cargo terminal will significantly boost economic activities in the region.
“You can now process exports directly from Enugu here—the cargo terminal—for the good and employment of Enugu people. I thought it was necessary to mention it here today.”
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He praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his proactive efforts in attracting private investments to the airport, noting that the governor refused to wait on bureaucracy to drive progress.
“The governor came to me and said, ‘I want to attract private sector investments into Enugu airport. I will not wait for bureaucracy to run this airport for me; the pace of development is too slow.’ I said, ‘Wait, finish the airline.’
“He said, ‘No, I’m not finishing it. I want the private sector to take over this airport and run it for the good people of Enugu State,’” the minister stated.
Keyamo said that shortly after, several top-tier private firms, with expertise in airport management, made proposals.
“Before we said Jack, private individuals—very big companies, some of the best in terms of airport management—came together. And as I speak to you, in the next few months and few years, Enugu airport will not be what you see here today. The private sector is coming into Enugu airport, driven by the governor.”
On the airline launch, the minister further revealed that Governor Mbah was equally determined to bring Enugu Air to life.
“I told the governor there’s a long process to get an airline its own AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate) to operate. But he said he couldn’t wait for two years. He said he would partner with someone who already has an AOC. I approached XEJet, and they approved. And here is Enugu Air,” he stated.
