FEC Approves Concessioning of Port Harcourt International Airport
Abuja, Nigeria, November 7, 2025
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval for the concessioning of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State — a move aimed at enhancing efficiency, boosting revenue, and improving service delivery in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The approval was granted during the FEC meeting held on Wednesday, November 6, 2025, and presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The concession is part of the government’s ongoing airport reform programme under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, designed to attract private sector investment and modernize the country’s airport infrastructure.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the decision to journalists after the meeting, stating that the concession process followed due diligence and competitive bidding in line with global best practices. According to him, the concession will not only enhance passenger experience but also create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the South-South region.
“The approval marks another milestone in our efforts to reposition Nigeria’s aviation industry. The concessionaire is expected to manage, operate, and develop the Port Harcourt International Airport for a specified period, ensuring world-class standards,” Keyamo said.
He added that the government will retain ownership of the airport, while the private partner will be responsible for its day-to-day operations, maintenance, and development under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model.
The Port Harcourt International Airport, one of Nigeria’s major gateways, has undergone significant upgrades in recent years but still faces challenges related to operational efficiency and infrastructure maintenance. The concessioning is expected to address these issues and align the facility with international benchmarks.
The decision aligns with the federal government’s broader Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy aimed at reducing fiscal burdens while improving infrastructure delivery across key sectors.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step toward transforming the aviation landscape and making Nigerian airports more competitive globally.
