The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement with PH Airport Limited for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt, marking a major step in the transformation of one of Nigeria’s busiest airports.The agreement was signed at the office of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who led the Federal Government delegation, while Eyo Asuquo, Group Managing Director of PH Airport Limited, led the concessionaire’s team.
The signing comes about a year after the Federal Executive Council, on November 6, 2025, approved the business case for the concession of the Port Harcourt airport. In December 2025, Keyamo had disclosed that the concession agreements were already at an advanced stage.Before the signing, Keyamo met with aviation union leaders to discuss the implications of the concession for workers. Speaking on behalf of the union leaders, Ben Nnabue said organised labour had endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances that no aviation worker would lose his or her job as a result of the arrangement.
He said the protection of workers’ jobs remains a fundamental consideration for organised labour, and that the unions are satisfied with the assurances received before giving their approval.Also speaking, Asuquo expressed the concessionaire’s commitment to transforming the airport through improved infrastructure, enhanced operational standards and increased economic activities. He assured that the arrangement would create opportunities for more employment rather than lead to job losses.“The vision of PH Airport Limited goes beyond taking over the management of the facility, as the company is committed to driving development, expanding opportunities and creating additional jobs through investments and the growth of airport-related activities,” Asuquo said.
The signing ceremony was attended by Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, ministry directors and aviation union leaders.For Port Harcourt, this is more than a paperwork exercise. It signals a new era for the airport — better facilities, better operations, more economic activities and more jobs for the city.Port Harcourt is rising. Watch out.
