Ministry of Justice Vets Enugu Airport Concession Agreement
ICRC Confirms Legal Vetting of Akanu Ibiam International Airport Concession
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has confirmed that the Ministry of Justice has completed the vetting process for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport concession agreement in Enugu. This regulatory milestone, announced on 25 January 2026, clears a critical legal hurdle for the federal government’s plan to transition the airport to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Advancing the Aviation Reform Agenda
The vetting by the Ministry of Justice ensures that the contractual obligations within the concession agreement align with Nigerian law and protect the interests of both the public and private stakeholders. According to the Director General of the ICRC, the commission is now facilitating the final stages of the process to ensure the concessionaire can begin operations and infrastructure upgrades.
The concession of the Enugu airport is part of a broader federal strategy to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through private capital. By involving the Ministry of Justice, the government aims to mitigate future legal disputes and ensure a transparent transfer of management responsibilities from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to the private sector.
Infrastructure Development and Regional Impact
Under the PPP framework, the concessionaire is expected to invest in terminal expansions, runway maintenance, and the upgrade of technological systems at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. These improvements are designed to increase passenger capacity and improve the ease of doing business in the South East region.
Industry analysts note that the Enugu airport serves as a vital logistics hub for the region. The successful execution of this concession agreement is anticipated to stimulate local economic growth by enhancing air connectivity for both domestic and international trade. The ICRC has emphasised that the goal of this partnership is to achieve world-class operational standards while reducing the fiscal burden on the federal government.
Next Steps in the PPP Lifecycle
With the legal vetting complete, the project moves toward the final execution phase. The ICRC will continue its role in monitoring the agreement to ensure that the private partners meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract. This includes adherence to safety regulations, maintenance schedules, and service quality benchmarks.
The federal government’s commitment to this project reflects a shift toward asset optimisation. By leveraging private sector expertise, the Ministry of Aviation intends to transform the airport into a self-sustaining commercial entity capable of competing with other major regional hubs in West Africa.
The vetting of the Enugu airport concession agreement by the Ministry of Justice marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure roadmap. As the project transitions toward active private management, its success will likely serve as a benchmark for other pending airport concessions across the country. For investors and regional policymakers, this development signals a reinforced commitment to legal transparency and infrastructure modernisation.
