Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has revealed plans to concession five major Nigerian international airports.

This was revealed during a meeting with the Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement from the Ministry’s spokesman, Odutayo Oluseyi, the airports to be concessioned include Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Port Harcourt International Airport, Aminu Kano International Airport, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

Keyamo expressed gratitude to IATA for showing interest in providing advisory support for the process, especially at a critical time as the concession plan is set to begin. The minister emphasized the urgent need to address the decay in infrastructure within Nigeria’s aviation industry, noting that the concession would improve efficiency and services.

“Given Nigeria’s geographical location, the country is well-positioned to be the aviation hub for Africa and the world,” said Keyamo. He called on both local and foreign investors to seize the opportunities available in the aviation sector, adding that the industry is ripe for investment.

The minister also urged IATA to communicate with other potential investors, assuring them that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector to meet global standards. He highlighted recent developments, such as the return of Italian Airlines and the United Arab Emirates airline, signaling positive changes in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Keyamo affirmed the government’s dedication to opening the market for all operators, indicating that the sector is on the verge of transformation.