Wole Shadare 
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has explained why the previous plans to concession some of the country’s airports met with a brick wall, adding that the process then led to complaints because of its lack of transparency followed by litigations.
He, however, stated that the big plan for the airport, especially the five international airports, was to concession them to be the best in the world.
He assured that the new process would be more transparent and competitive, to attract the best bidders to transform the airport’s operations.
Speaking during a facility tour of Lagos airport at the weekend, he said: “We are looking for the best partners in the world to come and collaborate with us in turning the airport around and running them professionally. And all will be to the benefit, ultimate benefit of Nigerians.”
They emphasized that the concession plan was part of a larger strategy to transform the airport’s operations and provide a better experience for travelers.
He added: “I spoke to Mr. President about it. Mr. President said, Minister, go for the best. Nobody is interested in whoever is coming to do it.
But under Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, it is going to be as transparent as possible. The president gave us marching orders.” The concession plan is expected to bring in new investment and expertise to the airport, leading to improved facilities and services for travelers.
The Minister did not provide a specific timeline for the concession process but indicated that the government will go public with the plan soon. With all clear, a former minister of aviation was expected to proceed to seek the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for his proposed Outline Business Case (OBC) for the project.
FAAN is embroiled in so many cases in court concerning Sanderton’s abrupt contract termination. Maevis is equally in court for the way FAAN terminated its contract.
In the past, the various aviation unions made up of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), FAAN branch, had threatened to ground activities should the government go ahead to concession Lagos, Abuja, Kano and PortHarcourt airports.
