Unions, Experts Slam FG's Enugu Airport Concession Amid Fears of Job Insecurity and Lack of Transparency

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The Federal Government's recent concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu has sparked sharp criticism from aviation unions and industry experts, who accuse authorities of an opaque and exclusionary process that sidelines workers' interests.

The concession, signed in January 2026 with a private consortium (identified in reports as Aero Alliance), follows Federal Executive Council approval in July 2025. The government, led by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, positions it as a vital step toward modernizing infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and driving economic growth in the South-East through public-private partnerships. Officials insist workers' jobs and conditions remain secure, with no retrenchments planned and employees retaining federal status.

However, major aviation unions—including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)—have outright rejected the deal. In a joint letter to the minister dated January 26, 2026, titled “Enugu Airport Concession: An Outright Rejection,” the unions claimed their nominated representatives were sidelined during key negotiation stages, describing the process as “insensitive, opaque, and exclusionary.”

They have warned of potential industrial action, including a possible nationwide strike, if the decision is not reversed. Reports indicate protests by FAAN workers at the Enugu airport and emergency union meetings to coordinate responses.

Aviation experts and stakeholders have echoed these concerns, questioning the lack of due process, insufficient stakeholder engagement, and long-term implications for labour welfare in previous concession models. Critics argue that while private management could bring improvements like better facilities and operations, the absence of transparent labour safeguards risks repeating past controversies in Nigeria's aviation sector.

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has defended the deal as vetted and compliant, emphasizing benefits like strengthened regional connectivity. Minister Keyamo has maintained that consultations occurred and worker protections are embedded in the agreement.

As tensions rise, the concession's success now hinges on addressing these grievances to avoid disruptions at one of Nigeria's key regional gateways. Industry watchers call for renewed dialogue to balance privatization goals with workers' rights and operational stability.

This development underscores ongoing debates in Nigeria's aviation reforms, where efficiency drives clash with labour protections amid economic pressures. Further updates are expected as unions await a formal response from the ministry.

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