The Federal government has signed a concession agreement for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, with PH Airport Limited, following assurances from the concessionaire that the arrangement would not lead to job losses.
The agreement was signed at the office of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja, on Thursday.
The Federal government delegation was led by Keyamo, while PH Airport Limited was represented by its Group Managing Director, Eyo Asuquo.
The signing followed a meeting between the minister and aviation union leaders to discuss the implications of the concession for airport workers.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Comrade Ben Nnabue said organised labour had approved the agreement after receiving assurances that no aviation worker would lose their job as a result of the arrangement.
He said job security remains a major concern for the unions, adding that they were satisfied with the commitments made before endorsing the agreement.
Also speaking, Asuquo highlighted Port Harcourt’s strategic importance in the Gulf of Guinea, describing the airport as a potential gateway for regional commerce, investment and connectivity.
He said PH Airport Limited intends to improve the airport’s infrastructure and operational standards, adding that the concession would create more employment opportunities rather than result in job losses.
According to him, the company’s vision extends beyond managing the facility to expanding airport-related activities, attracting investment and unlocking its economic potential.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; ministry directors and aviation union leaders attended the event.
The concession agreement was subsequently signed by the concessionaire and relevant ministry officials, with Keyamo presiding over the ceremony.
The government said the agreement is part of its broader efforts to attract private-sector investment and expertise into the development and management of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has pursued reforms aimed at modernising airports, improving operational efficiency and strengthening the aviation sector’s contribution to economic growth.
The Port Harcourt airport concession is expected to improve the passenger experience, strengthen airport services, and attract investment to the facility.