Nigeria Signs 30-Year Concession for Port Harcourt Airport

The Nigerian Government has signed a 30-year concession agreement for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, with PH Airport Limited. The deal was executed at the office of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who led the government delegation.

PH Airport Limited was led by its Group Managing Director, Eyo Asuquo. The signing brought together the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; and directors of the ministry.

Unions Back Deal After Job Assurances

Before the signing, Keyamo held a private meeting with aviation union leaders. The meeting focused on the concession process and its implications for aviation workers and the airport.

Comrade Ben Nnabue, speaking for the union leaders, said the unions approved the agreement after assurances that no aviation worker would lose his or her job because of the arrangement. He said job protection remained a fundamental consideration for organised labour and that the unions were satisfied with the assurances received before giving approval.

Concessionaire Promises Investment and Jobs

Asuquo described Port Harcourt as strategically important in the aviation and economic landscape of the Gulf of Guinea. He said the airport has enormous potential as a major gateway for regional commerce, investment and connectivity.

He said PH Airport Limited is committed to transforming the airport through improved infrastructure, better operational standards and increased economic activity. He assured that the arrangement would create opportunities for more employment rather than lead to job losses.

Asuquo said the company’s vision goes beyond taking over management of the facility. He said PH Airport Limited will drive development, expand opportunities and create additional jobs through investments and growth in airport-related activities. He also said the company would work to unlock the airport’s potential, using Port Harcourt’s location within the Gulf of Guinea to attract economic activity and strengthen its position as an aviation and commercial hub.

Government Eyes More Airport Concessions

After the engagements, Keyamo presided over the formal signing. The concessionaire and relevant ministry officials endorsed the documents, completing the formal execution process.

The ministry said the concession is another milestone in government efforts to use private-sector expertise, investment and operational capacity to develop Nigeria’s airport infrastructure. It said the reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are aimed at modernising airports, strengthening institutional capacity, improving operational efficiency and positioning aviation as a catalyst for economic growth.

The agreement is expected to improve passenger experience, strengthen airport services, attract investment and unlock the economic potential of the facility. Keyamo said more airports are being considered for concession.

The Port Harcourt concession adds to the federal government’s push to bring private capital into airport management. For businesses and travellers around Port Harcourt, the focus will be on whether the promised infrastructure, service standards and jobs materialise over the 30-year period.