Aviation labour unions have endorsed the concession of the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, after securing assurances that existing workers would retain their jobs under the new arrangement.
The unions’ approval came ahead of the Federal Government’s signing of the concession agreement with PH Airport Limited on Thursday in Abuja, with Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, overseeing the ceremony, Channels Television reported.
Comrade Ben Nnabue, who spoke on behalf of the unions, said employment protection was central to their consideration of the deal. He explained that organised labour accepted the arrangement after the concessionaire committed to retaining airport workers.
PH Airport Limited’s Group Managing Director, Eyo Asuquo, said the company intended to reposition the facility through infrastructure improvements, better operational standards and increased investment. He identified Port Harcourt’s location within the Gulf of Guinea as an advantage for serving as a hub for regional trade and connectivity.
Asuquo also expressed the company’s intention to expand activities around the airport, saying the investment would generate further employment opportunities rather than displace existing workers.
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 representatives of aviation labour unions.
The Federal Government said the concession formed part of its strategy to bring private-sector capital and expertise into airport management, with the broader objective of improving infrastructure, efficiency and service delivery.
