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FG Formalise Concession Agreement for Enugu Airport
The Federal Government has officially signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, marking a major step in its strategy to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector through public-private partnerships.
The agreement was executed on Wednesday at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN. The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday, January 23, by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr Tunde Moshood.
The signing ceremony drew key stakeholders, including officials of the Enugu State Government and representatives of Aero Alliance, the concessionaire. The Enugu delegation was led by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, while Aero Alliance was represented by Engr Chuks Aniekwe, Barrister Oyiwodu Okibe-Oga, Onyedikachi Nwachukwu, Kester Enwereonu and Barrister Michael Nwaechie of Ivy Solicitors.
Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Yakubu Adams Kofarmata; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; FAAN’s Director of Legal Services, Mrs Bridget Iwinose Gold; alongside other senior ministry and FAAN officials.
Speaking at the event, Keyamo described the agreement as the outcome of a prolonged and transparent process that spanned several years.
“Today brings to a close a very long and painstaking process regarding the concession of the Enugu Airport. This process reached a critical point on July 31, 2025, when the Federal Executive Council approved the concession, subject to contract,” he said.
He explained that following the approval, the ministry, FAAN and Aero Alliance engaged in extensive negotiations, including consultations with aviation unions, to ensure the protection of workers’ rights and welfare.
“We approached these agreements with the rights and privileges of workers as a priority. The rights of aviation workers have been fully respected and preserved. There has been no retrenchment, their terms and conditions of service remain unchanged, and they continue as employees of the Federal Government and FAAN,” Keyamo stated.
The minister stressed that job security and staff welfare formed a central pillar of the concession framework.
“The workers have not been short-changed in any way. Their jobs are secure and protected. Having resolved labour-related concerns, we addressed other critical issues and covered virtually all areas before signing the agreement,” he added.
Keyamo disclosed that while the main concession agreement has been concluded, two operational matters—security charges and the airport’s financial model—will be finalised in the coming weeks to ensure smooth implementation.
“There are two outstanding issues relating to the operationalisation of the agreement: security charges and the financial model of the airport. These will be resolved shortly. However, as far as the principal concession is concerned, the Federal Government has approved the concession of the Enugu Airport to Aero Alliance,” he said.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.