The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has said the execution of the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, represents a significant economic advancement for the South-East region.
In a statement released on Sunday, the 25th of January, 2026, in Abuja, the Director-General of the commission, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, described the development as a landmark achievement in the Federal Government’s drive to upgrade critical infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
He explained that the concession agreement was executed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development alongside the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), acting on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to Ewalefoh, the agreement reflects the increasing role of PPPs as a core strategy for infrastructure delivery under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He noted that the entire transaction was carried out under the supervision of the ICRC, ensuring full adherence to the national PPP framework, including certification of business cases and the conduct of due diligence.
“It also included negotiations, approval by the Federal Executive Council and vetting of the Concession Agreement by the Federal Ministry of Justice, before the contract was executed, in line with the ICRC Establishment Act.”
Ewalefoh said the agreement sends a clear message about Nigeria’s preparedness to expand private sector involvement in infrastructure development, adding that the deal represents the project’s commercial close and paves the way for implementation.
“This concession will strengthen the airport’s role as a vital gateway for the South- East states by enhancing connectivity and providing essential links to domestic and international destinations supporting tourism, trade and broader economic growth across the region.
“The concession demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to unlock private capital, improve service delivery, and reposition strategic national assets for long-term sustainability in line with global best practice,” he said.
He further stated that the Enugu Airport concession aligns with ICRC’s broader mandate to simplify PPP procedures, improve collaboration among government agencies, and fast-track project execution.
Ewalefoh added that the initiative is expected to generate wide-ranging economic benefits across various sectors and regions of the country.
He explained that, as the nation’s PPP regulator, the ICRC provided transaction assurance and regulatory oversight to guarantee value for money, compliance with established frameworks, and increased investor confidence.
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The ICRC boss praised Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for what he described as consistent commitment and strategic vision in positioning the state as an emerging economic hub, stressing that such leadership was vital for delivering transformative infrastructure projects.
He encouraged other state governments to follow the example of proactive subnational administrations, citing leaders in Ondo, Cross River and Lagos states, who are leveraging PPPs to attract investment and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
“These state governments are leveraging PPPs to attract investment, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and drive inclusive economic growth in their states.”
Ewalefoh also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his leadership and role in promoting reforms and strengthening private sector participation within the aviation industry.
He equally acknowledged FAAN and other transaction partners for achieving commercial close, reaffirming the ICRC’s commitment to supporting Ministries, Departments and Agencies throughout implementation in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.