Many Airports In Nigeria Struggling Financially – Keyamo
Many airports in Nigeria are operating at a loss and require monthly subsidies from the federal government, according to Festus Keyamo, the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, he highlighted that this financial burden strengthens the argument for airport concession, a process initiated under previous administrations.
Keyamo also dismissed reports claiming that the federal government had finalised a long-term concession arrangement for Enugu International Airport, calling the reports “utterly baseless and untrue.”
He explained that while the government is considering the concession of several airports and has received multiple proposals, no final agreement has been made.
“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,” Keyamo said.
The minister also addressed concerns regarding the concession process, stating that various proposals have been submitted, but no fixed duration has been decided.
“At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concessions. It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration.
“All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation and will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before being presented to the Minister for onward conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.
“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.”
“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 mistakes of the past. We will ensure that all decisions are made in the best interests of the nation and the aviation sector,” the statement concluded.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
