Why Nigerian Aviation Unions Are Rejecting the Enugu Airport Concession Plan

A major conflict is brewing in the Nigerian aviation sector.

The Federal Government's airport privatization efforts face strong opposition. Aviation unions reject the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. This comes just after the final agreement was signed.

Concession Agreement Signed

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo Minister, signed the agreement. This occurred on January 23, 2026, in Abuja. The deal involves the Federal Government, Enugu State, and concessionaire Aero Alliance.

Minister Keyamo described the signing as a long, careful process. The Federal Executive Council approved the proposal in July 2025. The goal is to modernize infrastructure and boost regional connectivity. The concession falls under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Keyamo stressed that worker welfare was a top priority. He guaranteed that no Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) employees would be retrenched. Workers will retain their status as federal employees. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) oversaw the process. This ensured compliance with the national PPP framework.

Union Rejection and Due Process Concerns

Despite government assurances, the move sparked immediate pushback. Aviation unions fear job losses aviation industry wide. They argue the Nigerian airport concession plan lacked transparency.

Union leaders allege the process did not follow due process concession agreement rules. Specifically, the General Secretaries were reportedly kept uninformed. They claim the union presidents on the committee were not legally authorized. The unions involved include the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATTSSAN). The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) is also involved. The Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) joins the opposition.

Key Areas of Dispute

• Process Transparency: Unions allege a failure to follow proper legal procedures.
• Worker Representation: General Secretaries were reportedly excluded from negotiations.
• Missing Information: The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development (Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development) was silent on the concession's full tenure.
• Job Security: Persistent fear of job losses remains a core issue for workers.

Outlook for Akanu Ibiam International Airport

The Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, is a key regional hub. It was one of four airports slated for concession. The concession is a critical test for infrastructure reform. It must proceed without sacrificing workers’ security.

Union leaders planned to deliver a formal letter of rejection. This action signals a potential escalation of the crisis. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) faces a major labor challenge. Resolving the dispute is crucial for a smooth transition. Two operational issues still need finalization. These relate to security charges and the financial operating model.

flying.flights provides comprehensive commercial aviation news covering airlines, aircraft, and airports.