Enugu Air, Airport Concession to Drive $30bn Economic Ambition, Says State Government
The Enugu State Government says the launch of its carrier, Enugu Air, and the ongoing concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport are central to plans to expand the state's economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031.
Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, made the disclosure during a media tour of the airport, outlining how aviation, tourism and agriculture will serve as pillars of the growth strategy under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
Onyia described the airport concession as part of a wider effort to reposition Enugu as the South East’s premier economic hub. “We looked at Enugu as an economic hub where tourism, hospitality, investment, and aviation can work together to drive growth,” he said.
With visitor numbers expected to rise, Onyia stressed that reliable air access is critical. “If we’re expecting people to come into Enugu, then we can’t depend solely on third-party airlines based on their schedules,” he explained.
He disclosed that Enugu Air has already secured six aircraft in the first phase of the project, a move the government believes will underpin tourism development and improve connectivity. Revitalisation of tourist sites across the state is underway, and the government views seamless air travel as essential to converting investments in hospitality and attractions into tangible economic gains.
The aviation infrastructure will also support agriculture through dedicated cargo operations. “This is also going to help our agricultural investment outlook because this is where the cargo terminal will be, where we can move things in and out of the state,” Onyia said, adding that the cargo facility would open new opportunities for businesses and farmers.
To ensure efficiency and sustainability, the state has adopted a private sector-driven model for both the airline and the airport concession. Onyia noted that seasoned industry professionals are involved in developing the airline and its governance structures, a deliberate effort to avoid the pitfalls of direct government management of commercial ventures.
On the concession timeline, Onyia said October has been set as the target for the next phase, allowing concessionaires and contractors to commence work on site. He acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, whose approvals moved the project from planning to implementation.