By John Ikani
Four Nigerian airports will be handed over to private operators who will run them for at least 20 to 30 years, the Federal Ministry of Aviation has said.
Recall that the Federal Executive Council FEC, in 2016, approved the concession of the four major airports in a move to have them run efficiently and profitably, a process that has reached an advanced stage.
The plan would enable private investors to own, operate and recoup investments made on Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano airports.
The Federal Government, however, gave a condition that the operation might be extended depending on performance and ‘Nigeria’s best interest’ subject to negotiation and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who gave an update on the project, said the Federal Government was starting with the most strategic asset “because successful delivery of the programme would give stakeholders the confidence to consider other possibilities in the sector.”
The minister, in response to questions on the project released by Director of Media, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. James Odaudu, said the concession will cover only non-aeronautic assets of the airports located in the passenger and cargo terminals, the document explained.
It consists of assets from the entry door of the airport to the point of embarking and disembarking from an aircraft to the exit doors.
This space commonly referred to as the passenger terminal comprises retail spaces, waiting and seating areas, airport, and airline lounges, baggage collection, check-in counters as well as administrative offices.
He said there was no plan to sell the airports. “There shall be no change in the ownership structure of the airports involved in this programme. What has been mandated by the Federal Executive Council is a concession programme.
“The decision of the government to settle for concession rather than outright selling of the assets is because of tremendous national importance from an economic and security perspective. We believe it remains in Nigeria’s best interest to maintain ownership for this reason.”
The document did not explain the financial implications of the proposed arrangement, especially as it concerns what amount will go to the government.
