The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, with PH Airport Limited, following assurances that the arrangement would protect existing jobs and create additional employment opportunities.
The agreement was formalised on Thursday at the office of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja, after consultations between the Federal Government and aviation labour unions over concerns about the welfare of airport workers.
Keyamo led the government delegation, while PH Airport Limited was represented by its Group Managing Director, Eyo Asuquo.
Speaking on behalf of the aviation unions, Comrade Ben Nnabue said organised labour had endorsed the concession after receiving assurances that no worker would be laid off as a consequence of the agreement.
He said the protection of workers’ jobs was a major condition raised by the unions during discussions with the minister, adding that the assurances provided had addressed their concerns.
In his remarks, Asuquo described Port Harcourt’s strategic location within the Gulf of Guinea as an important advantage for regional trade, investment and connectivity.
He said the company planned to transform the airport through infrastructure upgrades, improved operational standards and expansion of aviation-related activities.
According to him, the concession is designed not only to enhance airport management but also to attract investment, stimulate economic activities and generate more employment opportunities.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; directors from the aviation ministry and representatives of organised labour were among those present at the ceremony.
The concession documents were subsequently signed by representatives of PH Airport Limited and the relevant officials of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with Keyamo presiding over the exercise.
The Federal Government said the agreement forms part of its broader strategy to attract private-sector investment, technical expertise and improved management into the country’s airport infrastructure.
The initiative is also expected to support the aviation sector reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which are aimed at modernising airport facilities, improving service delivery and enhancing operational efficiency.
The government expects the concession to improve passenger experience, strengthen airport operations and position the Port Harcourt facility as a more competitive aviation and economic hub.
