Nigerians, particularly those from the South East region, have taken to social media to voice their opposition to the federal government’s plan to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu for a period of 80 years.
According to TheSun, the federal government is nearing the conclusion of negotiations with Aero Alliance Consortium for this takeover under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement. This agreement is expected to encompass airport upgrades, the management of existing personnel from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and revenue-sharing arrangements, among other provisions.
A portion of the 64-page contract document states that, “The concession period (the ‘Concession Term’) shall be eighty (80) years, commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Eightieth (80th) anniversary (subject to any extension in accordance with this Agreement) or, if earlier, until this Agreement is terminated in accordance with this Agreement.”
Clauses 2.1.4 and 2.2.2 detail the revenue-sharing formula between the government and Aero Alliance. A noteworthy provision in the agreement specifies that 1% of the net income will be remitted to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). Additionally, Aero Alliance will have complete control over non-aeronautical revenue streams, such as ground handling, cargo fees, rentals, parking, and VIP lounge fees, without requiring government approval, as long as they comply with legal limits. However, aeronautical tariffs, including landing fees and passenger service charges, must receive government approval.
In light of this development, Nigerians on X are questioning why the only international airport in the South East region is being concessioned for such an extensive period. There is also considerable concern regarding the identity of the Aero Alliance Consortium intended to take over the airport.
Kalu Aja, a Certified Financial Education Instructor, remarked: “Faceless individuals want to buy Enugu International Airport. Who are the owners of the consortium? @fkeyamo if you have no conflict of interest, you should let Nigerians know who is buying this very important asset. What is their experience and asset base? Are they politically exposed? Is the consortium registered?”
In a subsequent post, Mr. Aja highlighted the concession durations for international airports in Nigeria as follows:
– Abuja International Airport: 20 years
– Lagos International Airport: 20 years
– Kano International Airport: 30 years
– Enugu International Airport: 80 years
For context, there is no PPP or infrastructure project globally, past or present, with a term of 80 years.
Users on the X platform are currently trending the hashtag #EnuguAirportScam to articulate their dissatisfaction with this proposal.
One user, @nducent2002, stated: “@fkeyamo Who are the ghosts behind this concession? 80 years is the same as eternity and the terms and conditions are acrimonious, criminally intended due to lack of transparency. South Easterners need to vehemently resist this.”
Another user, @Kachiblog, added: “Say no to #EnuguAirportScam. Concession for 80 years is a direct way of closing down the airport.”
User @K9ine14488122 commented: “@fkeyamo what are you doing? Handing over the only international airport in the South East to a company for 80 years. This is totally unacceptable. #EnuguAirportScam.”
User @Denix100 expressed: “They want to concession Enugu airport for 80 years. That is the scam. The biggest scam in the history of the world. #EnuguAirportScam.”
They will do it as they have done other things before and nothing will happen.We will all remain online chatting rubbish.Foolish arrogant
conquered people we are!!!