The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said that the duration for the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu has not been finalised.

In a statement issued Monday by the minister?s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the ministry denied the reports that a long-term concession agreement had been reached. The ministry said that while proposals for the concession of five major airports including Enugu are still under review, no duration has been approved.

?Our attention has been drawn to certain online reports suggesting that a certain lengthy period of concession has been agreed upon regarding the Enugu International Airport. These reports are baseless and untrue.

?Whilst it is true that the Federal Government is considering proposals for the concession of five major airports, this is a proactive measure to ensure these vital facilities can meet and maintain international standards, given the increasing financial demands of their operations. Many of our airports are presently running at a loss, so they have to be subsidised each month by the Federal Government. It is noteworthy that this initiative to concession started from previous administrations,? the ministry said.

The ministry said that all proposals will be scrutinised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) before being presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval. The ministry also stated that the Aviation Labor Unions were included in negotiations to ensure transparency.

?At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession. It is important to emphasize that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration. All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation that will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before it is presented to the Minister for conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded. However, for the sake of transparency, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN directed, some months ago that the Aviation Labour Unions be included as part of the negotiating teams.

?Therefore, we must state unequivocally that the information suggesting a predetermined concession duration is false, unfounded, and intended to cause unwarranted disaffection and mistrust in this process by those with entrenched interests.

?Please be assured that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is committed to a transparent process that adheres strictly to due process. With his training and track record, the Minister will not allow anything untoward to happen under his watch. He has so far run the Ministry in a transparent manner and will not fall into the same mistake of the past. We will ensure that all decisions are made in the best interest of the nation and the aviation sector,? the ministry concluded. (Daily Sun)

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