FG Transfers Port Harcourt International Airport to Private Operator, Assures Workers of Job Security

The Federal Government has formally handed over the management of the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to a private operator, PH Airport Limited, under a concession agreement aimed at improving infrastructure, operational efficiency and economic activities at the facility.

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, following consultations with aviation labour unions.

The development was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, the minister’s media aide.

As part of the agreement, the Federal Government and the concessionaire assured aviation workers that the arrangement would not result in job losses, addressing concerns raised by organised labour over the impact of private-sector participation on workers’ welfare and employment.

The aviation unions, led by Ben Nnabue, endorsed the concession agreement after receiving assurances that no employee would lose their job as a result of the arrangement.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, Nnabue said workers’ welfare and job security were major considerations in their decision to support the agreement.

He emphasised that organised labour would not endorse any arrangement capable of threatening the livelihoods of aviation workers.

Nnabue added that the unions were satisfied with the commitments made by the government and the private operator, noting that their endorsement followed extensive consultations on the implications of the concession for employees and the future development of the airport.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Asuquo described Port Harcourt’s strategic location within the Gulf of Guinea as a major advantage that could position the airport as an important gateway for regional trade, investment and connectivity.

He explained that the company’s ambition extended beyond taking over the management of the facility, stressing its commitment to investing in airport infrastructure, improving operational standards and creating more economic opportunities.

According to him, the concessionaire intends to unlock the airport’s commercial potential through infrastructure development and the expansion of businesses and other activities connected to aviation.

“Our vision goes beyond taking over the management of the airport. We are committed to driving development, expanding opportunities and creating additional jobs through investments and the growth of airport-related activities,” he said.

Asuquo further expressed confidence that leveraging Port Harcourt’s strategic position within the Gulf of Guinea would attract additional investments and strengthen the airport’s status as a regional aviation and commercial hub.

Meanwhile, Keyamo, who presided over the formal signing of the agreement, had earlier held a closed-door meeting with aviation labour union leaders to address their concerns and secure their support for the concession process.

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; directors of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and representatives of aviation labour unions.

The concession is expected to encourage private-sector investment in the airport, improve service delivery and strengthen its capacity to support commercial activities and regional connectivity.

The government’s assurance on job security is also expected to ease concerns among aviation workers as the new management prepares to take responsibility for the airport’s operations and development.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep