The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement with PH Airport Limited to manage and develop the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt, assuring aviation workers that the arrangement will not lead to job losses. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and the group managing director of PH Airport Limited, Eyo Asuquo, signed the deal after consultations with aviation labour unions. The minister's media aide, Tunde Moshood, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the unions endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances that no aviation worker will lose their job because of the concession.

The agreement marks a new phase in the government's plan to attract private investment into airport infrastructure and improve the management of selected airports across the country. Mr Keyamo met aviation union leaders before the formal signing to address concerns about the concession's implications for workers. Speaking on behalf of the unions, Ben Nnabue said workers' welfare and job security remain central to their consideration, adding that organised labour will not support an arrangement that threatened the livelihoods of its members and that the unions are satisfied with the assurances from the government and the concessionaire.S1S2

Mr Asuquo said the company intends to invest in infrastructure, improve operational standards and expand economic activities around the airport. He described Port Harcourt's location within the Gulf of Guinea as an advantage that could strengthen its role in regional commerce, investment and connectivity. "Our vision goes beyond taking over the management of the airport. We are committed to driving development, expanding opportunities and creating additional jobs through investments and the growth of airport-related activities," he stated.S1S2

The concession follows approval by the Federal Executive Council in November 2025 of the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport, alongside other projects aimed at modernising Nigeria's aviation infrastructure. The approval formed part of the broader airport concession programme, which seeks to improve airport infrastructure, operational efficiency and commercial viability through private-sector participation. The government has argued that private investors could provide the capital and expertise needed to expand airport facilities and develop revenue-generating activities beyond conventional aviation operations.S1S2