Nigeria Signs Concession Deal for Port Harcourt International Airport

The Federal Government of Nigeria signed a concession agreement with PH Airport Limited on November 13, 2026, in Abuja to manage and develop the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt. Approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, the deal aims to attract private investment and reduce the government's financial burden of subsidizing less profitable airports using profits from major gateways.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and PH Airport Limited Group Managing Director Eyo Asuquo signed the agreement following extensive negotiations with aviation labor unions. The National Union of Air Transport Employees and other labor groups endorsed the move after receiving formal assurances that the concession would protect existing jobs and create new employment opportunities.

PH Airport Limited plans to invest in infrastructure and improve operational standards to transform the facility into a commercial hub and "airport city," leveraging its location in the Gulf of Guinea to expand regional connectivity. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission assessed the company's capacity to operate the facility according to international standards. While the private firm takes over management, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will maintain its statutory responsibilities.