Fed Govt Creates Task Forces to Boost Aviation PPP Projects
By Patience Ikpeme
The federal government has taken steps towards unlocking the economic potential of the aviation sector through increased investment in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
To expedite this process, task forces have been established within the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Ministry of Aviation.
The decision came following a courtesy visit by the ICRC Director General, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo SAN, in Abuja. During the meeting, Dr. Ewalefoh emphasized the crucial role of aviation in driving economic growth and highlighted the ICRC’s commitment to facilitating PPP investments in the sector.
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, recognizing the importance of these collaborations, promptly established a similar task force within the ministry. This joint effort will ensure efficient and timely delivery of aviation infrastructure projects through PPPs.
Dr. Ewalefoh expressed optimism about the future of aviation PPPs in Nigeria, citing the streamlined ICRC policies and the legal expertise of the aviation minister. He emphasized that the mistakes of the past, which led to legal disputes surrounding some PPP projects, would be avoided, and pending cases would be resolved.
The ICRC Director General acknowledged the funding challenges faced by many countries in infrastructure development, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes PPPs as a solution. He highlighted the immense investment potential in the Nigerian aviation sector, citing examples such as Heathrow Airport, which received £16 billion in private sector funds between 2003 and 2019.
Dr. Ewalefoh pointed to the Dakar Airport, which attracted $575 million in investment, including a 30% stake from the Bin Laden Group of Saudi Arabia. He also referenced Kenya’s success in increasing passenger traffic from 7 million to 12 million through PPP arrangements.
With Nigeria’s large population of over 200 million people, Dr. Ewalefoh believes the country has the potential to attract significant investments and become a leading aviation hub in Africa. However, he stressed the need for adequate infrastructure to achieve this goal.
The ICRC Director General commended the aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo for his efforts in securing the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction and resolving the dispute with the UAE, which led to the resumption of Emirates Airlines flights to Nigeria.
Dr. Ewalefoh urged the minister to establish a dedicated task force to accelerate PPP projects in the aviation sector, given the urgent need for infrastructure development. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach and round-the-clock commitment to achieve the desired results.
In response, Mr. Festus Keyamo expressed his support for the ICRC’s initiative and immediately formed a task force within the ministry to work closely with the ICRC team. He highlighted the ministry’s recent policy achievements in the aviation sector and emphasized the focus on accelerating PPP proposals.
Mr Keyamo recognized the significant PPP potential in the aviation sector, particularly for projects such as cargo terminals. He commended the ICRC Director General for his proactive approach and assured him of his full cooperation in driving PPP infrastructure development within the ministry.
