The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt with PH Airport Limited. The government has also assured aviation workers that the arrangement will not result in job losses.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Group Managing Director of PH Airport Limited, Eyo Asuquo, after consultations with aviation labour unions.
A statement issued on Thursday by the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, said the unions, led by Ben Nnabue, endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances on workers’ job security.
Speaking for the unions, Nnabue said workers’ welfare and job security were central to their decision. He maintained that organised labour would not support any arrangement that threatened the livelihoods of its members.
Asuquo described Port Harcourt’s location in the Gulf of Guinea as an advantage that could make the airport a major centre for regional commerce, investment and connectivity. He said the company planned to invest in infrastructure, improve operational standards and expand economic activities around the facility.
He added that the concessionaire’s plans went beyond managing the airport, with a commitment to creating more jobs through investment and the growth of airport-related businesses.
Keyamo presided over the signing ceremony after meeting privately with aviation union leaders to address their concerns. The meeting was attended by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; ministry directors and union representatives.
