The Enugu State Government has described the launch of Enugu Air and the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport as major pillars of its strategy to expand the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031.
Speaking during the Renewed Hope Media Tour of the airport on Tuesday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chidiebere Onyia, said the initiatives are expected to stimulate tourism, attract investors, strengthen agricultural exports, and reinforce Enugu’s position as the economic gateway of the South-East.
According to Onyia, Governor Peter Mbah’s administration views aviation as a critical component of its broader economic transformation agenda. He explained that the airport concession is not an isolated project but part of a comprehensive plan to align aviation with tourism, hospitality, and investment growth.
He noted that the government projects between three and five million visitors to Enugu in the coming years, a figure that informed the decision to establish Enugu Air. The state, he said, could not rely solely on existing commercial airlines and their schedules to meet its long-term economic objectives.
The SSG disclosed that Enugu Air currently operates six aircraft as part of its first phase, with plans to improve accessibility for tourists, investors, and business travelers coming into the state.
Beyond air transportation, Onyia said the government is revitalising tourism destinations across Enugu, including waterfalls and other attractions, to create compelling experiences for visitors arriving through the airport.
He further explained that the airport development will support the state’s agricultural sector through cargo operations, enabling the efficient movement of goods and agricultural products while strengthening Enugu’s role as a regional commercial hub.
Onyia stressed that the government has adopted a private-sector-driven model for both the airline and airport operations to ensure professionalism, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. He noted that industry experts and experienced partners were engaged to build operational capacity before transitioning to a governance structure managed by competent professionals.
Providing an update on the concession process, the SSG revealed that October has been earmarked for the next phase of implementation, adding that the concessionaire and contractors can now commence activities on site following the achievement of key project milestones.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the initiative, saying federal backing and cooperation from relevant aviation agencies played a significant role in moving the project from concept to execution.
The media tour, organised by the Presidential Communications Team under the Renewed Hope Agenda, showcased federal government projects across strategic sectors of the economy. The delegation was led by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The concession agreement for the airport was signed in January by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following Federal Executive Council approval granted in July 2025. Under the arrangement, the Federal Government retains ownership of the airport while the concessionaire is responsible for its operation, maintenance, and upgrade, with the goal of improving efficiency, enhancing regional connectivity, and attracting new investments to the aviation sector.