TDLeaders from Nigeria’s South-East, under the aegis of Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), have rejected the Federal Government’s decision to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to a private consortium.
ILT described the move as unacceptable and called for its reversal.
The opposition comes days after the airport was officially handed over to Aero Alliance Limited under a public-private partnership arrangement.
Concerns Over Regional Economic Interests
According to the leaders, the airport is a strategic national asset that plays a critical role in the economic development of the South-East.
They argued that transferring its operation to a private company could undermine the region’s long-term economic interests.
It can also reduce public oversight of a vital infrastructure.
The group urged the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the concession process and engage stakeholders from the region before taking further action.
Federal Government Defends Concession
The Federal Government had announced that the concession would allow Aero Alliance Limited to finance, rehabilitate, expand, operate and manage the airport.
The aim is to transform the airport into a major aviation and logistics hub in West Africa.
Officials said the arrangement is intended to improve infrastructure, operational efficiency, passenger experience and attract greater private investment.
During the handover ceremony, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the concession as a milestone.
Keyamo hailed the government’s efforts to modernise airport infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
Calls for Reconsideration
The South-East leaders maintained that any decision affecting such an important regional asset should involve broad consultations with stakeholders.
They called on the Federal Government to reconsider the concession in the interest of equity, transparency and regional development.
