The Federal Authorities has denied reviews claiming it has finalised a long-term concession settlement for the Akanu Ibiam Worldwide Airport, Enugu.
In an announcement launched Monday and signed by Tunde Moshood, Particular Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Improvement, the Ministry described the claims as baseless and inaccurate.
Whereas confirming that proposals for the concession of 5 main airports—together with Enugu—are beneath assessment, the Ministry pressured that no settlement or concession period has been authorised.
It defined that the method continues to be ongoing and topic to assessment by key stakeholders, together with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Fee (ICRC) and the Federal Government Council (FEC). Moshood added that though numerous proposals with differing phrases have been submitted, none have obtained closing approval.
“Our consideration has been drawn to sure on-line reviews/tales suggesting {that a} sure prolonged interval of concession has been agreed upon relating to the Enugu Worldwide Airport. These reviews/tales are totally baseless and unfaithful.
“While it’s true that the Federal Authorities is contemplating proposals for the concession of 5 main airports, this can be a proactive measure to make sure these very important amenities can meet and preserve worldwide requirements, given the growing {financial} calls for of their operations,” the assertion learn partly.
It added, “At this stage, potential concessionaires have certainly submitted numerous proposals, together with completely different durations for the concession. You will need to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Improvement has not established any fastened period.”
The Ministry’s response could also be linked to a wave of on-line reviews claiming that an 80-year concession had already been authorised for the Enugu Worldwide Airport—an assertion the federal government has now firmly debunked.
The Ministry additional clarified that the airport concession initiative was not launched by the present administration however is a continuation of efforts by earlier governments geared toward addressing the {financial} pressure on the aviation sector.
It reaffirmed its dedication to a clear, accountable, and nationally helpful framework for all concession choices. It additionally maintained that the Minister, Festus Keyamo, would proceed to make sure that all procedures are performed with integrity and in step with due course of.
