Federal Government officials present included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Yakubu Adams Kofarmata; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; FAAN Director of Legal Services, Mrs Bridget Gold, and other senior officials.

The deal, originally approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on July 31, 2025, covers the entire airport, including the long-delayed cargo terminal. However, rather than settling the issue of airport concessions, the signing has intensified scrutiny and resistance, particularly from aviation labour unions.

Labour backlash and unresolved issues

Despite assurances from the Federal Government that no jobs will be lost, aviation unions, ATSSSAN, NUATE and ANAP, have rejected the concession, describing it as opaque and insensitive. The unions argue that while the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, insists that workers’ rights are protected, no binding Labour Protection Agreement was signed alongside the main contract.

Union leaders allege they were sidelined during the final negotiations, claiming that consultations were limited to union presidents rather than general secretaries, who traditionally handle contractual matters. As a result, they view the government’s job security assurances as political statements rather than enforceable obligations.

Even with the main contract signed, several key questions remain unresolved. Critics note that the government has yet to clearly disclose the specific performance benchmarks Aero Alliance must meet over the concession period. This includes timelines for completing the cargo terminal and targets for passenger and cargo growth.

There is also limited public clarity on the concession’s financial model. Industry observers describe it as unusual to sign a 30-year concession without a clearly defined revenue-sharing framework. They outlined how income will be split among FAAN, the Enugu State Government and the concessionaire.