…Concessions Abuja, Kano Airports
The Federal Government at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Wednesday approved the change of nomenclature of the Federal Ministry of Aviation to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace with immediate effect.
This is just as the Federal Government has concluded the concession of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja and Aminu Kano International Airport ( MAKIA) Kano.
The developments were contained in a media statement issued by the Media Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr. James Odaudu.
Odaudu said the new nomenclature is in line with the nature of the sector, being under the exclusive management and regulation of the Federal Government.
The statement which described the decision of the FEC on the industry as notable achievements milestone in steadfast commitment towards revitalizing the nation’s aviation sector said: “In alignment with the Aviation Roadmap, approved by Mr. President on October 18, 2016, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace is delighted to inform all stakeholders, both local and international, and the media, that the concession of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano has been approved by the Federal Executive Council.”
It added,”Following a thorough and comprehensive evaluation process that commenced with the Request for Qualification (RFQ) advertised in local and international media on 16th August 2021, and subsequent rigorous evaluation of technical and financial bids, coupled with due diligence visits conducted from December 27 – 29, 2022 and 9 January 9- 10, 2023, the Corporacion American Airport Consortium has emerged as the preferred bidder.”
The consortium, according to the statement, composed of The Corporation American Airports, Mota Engil Africa, and Mota Engil Nigeria, is globally recognized for its superior technical expertise in the design, construction, management, and operation of infrastructure.
The Corporation American Airports, a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listed airport operator, has presence across three continents, managing 53 airports in six countries and serving approximately 82.4 million passengers in 2019.
The statement added that the concession of NAIA and MAKIA will considerably enhance the operational efficiency and profitability of the airports, repositioning them to operate optimally and competitively.
The agreement, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, will be effective for twenty (20) years for NAIA and thirty (30) years for MAKIA.
In addition, the Corporacion American Airport Consortium is committed to making upfront payments of USD 7 million for NAIA and USD 1.5 million for MAKIA. During the concession period, total projected nominal revenues accruable from the combined Concession of NAIA and MAKIA exceed $4 billion United States Dollars. Over 70 per cent of these projected revenues will be payable to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), thereby generating additional revenue sources for the Federal Government.
Reacting to the approval, coming same day as signing of the Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) for the commencement of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Senator Hadi Sirika said the period is momentous for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The partnership with the Corporacion American Airport Consortium, he said, underscores the Administration’s dedication to improving the standards of the nation’s airports, providing world-class services to all travellers and generating considerable economic benefits for the country.
According to him, the concession will herald a new era of excellence in Nigeria’s aviation industry, saying that he eagerly anticipates a successful partnership with the Corporacion American Airport Consortium.
Dr James Odaudu
Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Minister of Aviatio
