FG hands over Port Harcourt airport, ensures workers keep their jobs

The Federal Government has signed a deal with PH Airport Limited to manage and develop the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt. They assured aviation workers that this agreement will not lead to job losses.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and Eyo Asuquo, the group managing director of PH Airport Limited, signed the deal after talking with aviation labor unions.

Tunde Moshood, the minister’s media aide, shared this news in a statement on Thursday. He mentioned that the unions backed the agreement after getting promises that no aviation worker would lose their job because of the concession.

This agreement is part of the government's plan to bring private investment into airport infrastructure. The goal is to improve the management of selected airports across Nigeria.

The statement revealed that Mr. Keyamo met with aviation union leaders before the official signing. He wanted to address their worries about how the concession would affect workers.

Ben Nnabue spoke on behalf of the unions. He said the welfare and job security of workers are very important to them when considering the agreement. He made it clear that organized labor would not support any deal that could harm its members' livelihoods. He added that the unions are pleased with the promises made by the government and the concessionaire.

He also pointed out that the unions endorsed the agreement after thorough discussions about the airport’s future and how private-sector involvement could affect aviation workers.

Mr. Asuquo mentioned that the company plans to invest in infrastructure, improve operational standards, and boost economic activities around the airport. He noted that Port Harcourt’s location in the Gulf of Guinea is a plus that could enhance its role in regional trade, investment, and connectivity.

“Our vision goes beyond just managing the airport. We want to drive development, create opportunities, and add more jobs through our investments and growth in airport-related activities,” he said.

He added that the company aims to unlock the airport’s economic potential and make it a stronger aviation and commercial hub.

Earlier reports from PREMIUM TIMES indicated that the Federal Executive Council approved the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport in November 2025. This was part of a larger plan to modernize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and attract private investment.

This approval is part of the Federal Government’s airport concession program. The aim is to improve airport infrastructure, make operations more efficient, and ensure commercial success through private-sector involvement.

The government believes that private investors can bring in the capital and skills needed to expand airport facilities and develop new revenue sources, especially beyond traditional aviation activities. The concession program aims to draw investment into airport terminals and related services while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria continues its regular duties.