The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has confirmed that the Federal Government is carrying out a review process for the concessioning of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
There have been condemnations over reports that the airport has been concessioned for 80 years.
However, the minister in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood said whilst it was true that the federal government was considering proposals for the concession of five major airports to ensure these vital facilities can meet and maintain international standards, it was untrue that it had concluded the process.
While noting that many of the country's airports were presently running at a loss, Keyamo said it was noteworthy that the initiative to concession the airports started from previous administrations.
The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to certain online reports/stories suggesting that a certain lengthy period of concession has been agreed upon regarding the Enugu International Airport. These reports/stories are utterly baseless and untrue.
“At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession.
“It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration.
“All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation that will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before it is presented to the Minister for conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.”