PH Airport Limited promises infrastructure upgrades and more employment opportunities as aviation unions endorse the agreement.
The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, with PH Airport Limited, following assurances that the arrangement would not result in job losses.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the office of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja, after a meeting between the minister and aviation union leaders over concerns about the impact of the concession on workers.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Comrade Ben Nnabue said organised labour had endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances that no aviation worker would lose their job as a result of the arrangement.
PH Airport Limited’s Group Managing Director, Eyo Asuquo, said the company intended to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure, improve operational standards and create additional employment opportunities.
He described Port Harcourt’s strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea as an opportunity to develop the airport into a regional gateway for commerce, investment and connectivity.
Asuquo added that the company’s plans went beyond managing the facility to expanding airport-related activities and attracting investments to unlock its economic potential.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; ministry officials and aviation union representatives.
The Federal Government said the concession formed part of its efforts to attract private-sector investment and expertise into airport development, improve operational efficiency and modernise aviation infrastructure across the country.