ICRC Confirms Justice Ministry Vetting of Enugu Airport Concession Agreement
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has officially confirmed that the formal concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu has been vetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice. This critical legal review marks the final procedural step, ensuring the contract’s robustness and alignment with national statutes. The disclosure, made in a statement signed by the ICRC’s Director-General, Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, and shared with Nairametrics, underscores the government’s commitment to a transparent and legally sound process.
According to the Commission, this development represents a key milestone in the Federal Government’s strategy to modernize critical national infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The initiative is projected to deliver significant economic benefits for the South-East region by enhancing the airport’s capacity and service quality. Ewalefoh emphasized that the entire concession process adhered to established regulatory frameworks designed to guarantee transparency, secure value for money, and bolster investor confidence. The ICRC provided comprehensive regulatory guidance and transaction assurance throughout, ensuring strict compliance with Nigeria’s national PPP policy.
“The transaction was undertaken under the regulatory guidance of the ICRC, which ensured compliance with the national PPP framework,” Ewalefoh stated. He detailed that this oversight included the certification of business cases, due diligence, negotiations, Federal Executive Council approval, and the final vetting of the concession agreement by the Federal Ministry of Justice before execution. This meticulous procedure, he noted, was in strict accordance with the ICRC Establishment Act. The Director-General further highlighted that the concession will strengthen the airport’s role as a vital regional gateway, enhancing connectivity to support tourism, trade, and broader economic growth.
The concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport aligns with the ICRC’s broader efforts to streamline PPP processes and accelerate infrastructure delivery nationwide. As the Health Minister denies unrelated claims and other news develops, such as abductions that threaten community peace or when a public figure like Atiku seeks fresh political mandates, this infrastructure milestone stands on its own merit. The project, part of a wider policy to involve the private sector in airport management, aims to reduce the government’s financial burden while improving operational efficiency. The formal agreement was previously reported signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, on January 21, 2026, culminating a multi-year, transparent process.
