Federal Government Signs 30-Year Concession for Port Harcourt Airport
MBTV News | 13 November 2026
The Federal Government has signed a 30-year concession agreement with PH Airport Limited for the management and development of the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo and representatives of the concessionaire. It follows earlier federal approval of the airport’s concession business case.
Workers receive employment assurance
Aviation unions endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances that existing workers would not lose their jobs because of the concession. Union representative Ben Nnabue said employment protection had been a central condition of organised labour’s support.
PH Airport Limited said it intends to invest in infrastructure, improve operating standards and expand airport-related economic activity. The precise investment timetable and performance targets were not published in the statements reviewed by MBTV.
What changes
The concession transfers defined management and development responsibilities to the private operator while the airport remains part of Nigeria’s regulated aviation system. Government says the arrangement is intended to improve passenger services and reduce pressure on public financing.
Sources: Federal aviation concession programme; signing and worker assurances; concession duration and context.
Image note: Licensed illustrative airport photograph; it is not a photograph of Port Harcourt airport.
