Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that Nigerian airports are operated at a financial loss without private sector involvement, stressing that the Federal Government could no longer sustain them profitably.
Keyamo, who spoke at the launch of Enugu State’s indigenous airline, Enugu Air, on Monday, said, “There is no government that can run airports again in Nigeria for profit.
“We are running the airports at a loss because we don’t have the drive of the private sector. I’m saying it openly, and I have no apologies.”
The minister addressed public concerns over the fate of the Enugu airport, clarifying that the facility was not being sold but concessioned to private investors.
“I have seen some comments saying, ‘No, we are selling Enugu airport out.’ We are concessioning it. The process is supported by Mr. President, by FAAN, by the Ministry of Aviation, and by the National Assembly committees.
“We are just in the process of handing Enugu airport to private investors who will come and make this place open, including the cargo terminal,” he said.
According to Keyamo, the cargo terminal will significantly boost economic activities in the region.
“You can now process exports directly from Enugu here—the cargo terminal—for the good and employment of Enugu people. I thought it was necessary to mention it here today.”