Nigeria's Aviation Minister Keyamo Pledges Talks After Enugu Airport Concession Sparks Worker Strike

The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has committed to holding urgent talks with air transport labour unions.

This pledge follows growing opposition and industrial action against the recently signed concession agreement for Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. The unions claim their concerns about workers’ welfare were ignored before the final deal was signed. This dispute highlights a major challenge in the government's airport privatization strategy.

Industrial Action Disrupts Operations

Aviation workers at the Enugu airport began an industrial action in the early hours of Friday. This protest caused significant flight disruptions, leaving many passengers stranded. The action was a direct response to the concession agreement signed by the Ministry.

Enyili Ezekwesili, Social Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), confirmed the industrial action. He stated the protest was a continuation of earlier disagreements. Ezekwesili warned that protests would resume if the concessionaire, Aero Alliance, begins operations without resolving workers' issues. The union's 21-day notice period is a critical factor in the ongoing negotiations.

The Concession Controversy

Union Claims of Sidelining

Keyamo’s Ministry formally signed the concession agreement with Aero Alliance on January 22, 2026. However, union leaders from NUATE and other bodies like the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) have rejected the deal.

They describe the process as opaque and procedurally flawed. Union representatives were reportedly included in an initial committee but were later sidelined. Crucially, the unions argue that no formal labour-related agreement was signed with them before the main concession contract. This leaves them concerned about the job security and welfare of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff.

Minister’s Defense of the Process

Minister Keyamo defended the process as meticulous and transparent. He noted the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the concession proposal on July 31, 2025.

Keyamo insisted that the rights and privileges of aviation workers were a primary consideration. He assured that workers have not been retrenched. Their employment terms and conditions remain unchanged, and they remain employees of the federal government and FAAN. The concession period is set for 30 years.

Path Forward for Stakeholders

The Minister has assured union leaders that a meeting will be convened next week. This meeting aims to identify and correct any errors in the concession process. The outcome of these talks is vital for restoring stability at the regional hub.

• The immediate risk is a resumption of protests if Aero Alliance attempts to take over operations before a labour agreement is finalized.
• The long-term challenge is balancing government goals for modernizing infrastructure through private partnership with protecting civil service employment rights.
• The Enugu Airport concession is seen as a test case for the government's broader plans to concession other major Nigerian airports.

NUATE has maintained that the concession must be reversed unless proper procedures are followed. Affected airlines, including Enugu Air, had to reschedule services due to the disruption. The aviation sector awaits a resolution from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to ensure smooth air travel operations.

flying.flights is your source for accurate commercial aviation news and global aviation updates. For airline finances, mergers, and industry strategy, visit the Business category at flying.flights/business.