Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that the Federal Government has concessioned the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to attract private sector investment and address inefficiencies in government-managed airport operations.
Speaking at the official launch of Enugu Air, the state-owned airline initiated by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, Keyamo emphasized that the concession process was conducted transparently and received approval from all relevant authorities, including President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
“The government cannot successfully run airports while simultaneously courting meaningful private sector investment,” Keyamo noted. “The Enugu Airport has been operating at a loss. With Governor Mbah’s pro-private sector vision, we are now laying the foundation for an international aviation hub in Enugu.”
He credited the concession to Governor Mbah’s determined advocacy for development, stating that the governor made several visits to Abuja to secure federal endorsements.
“Dr. Peter Mbah was the first governor to visit me after my swearing-in. His drive is relentless. Despite belonging to another political party, he ranks among the most effective governors in the country today,” Keyamo added.
The minister also announced federal approval for regional flights from Enugu to various African destinations. He commended the selection of XEJet, a fully Nigerian-owned airline that currently operates Sierra Leone’s national carrier, as the operational partner for Enugu Air.
Governor Mbah described the unveiling of Enugu Air as “a triumph of vision and a bold leap toward economic transformation.” The airline will begin operations with three Embraer aircraft, covering the “Golden Triangle” of Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, before expanding to other domestic routes including Port Harcourt, Benin, Owerri, and Kano.
Plans are also underway to launch international routes in the next phase, with destinations across Africa, Europe, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
“This airline is more than transportation—it’s about creating jobs, connecting the diaspora, building investor confidence, and opening a gateway to the global economy,” Mbah said.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Minister Keyamo, Fidelity Bank, and key aviation stakeholders for their support in realizing the project.
Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, assured that Enugu Air would be run as a professionally managed enterprise. XEJet CEO, Engr. Ayuba Emmanuel, and Fidelity Bank CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, praised Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership and pledged continued collaboration.
The launch ceremony was attended by a large gathering of dignitaries, including Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, members of the state executive council, and industry stakeholders.
