FG set to concession four international airports in Nigeria

Abiola Seun

The Federal Government has released a request for qualification for the concession of four international airport terminals and other related services.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Mr. Hassan Musa, made this announcement in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday by the Director, Public Affairs of the Ministry, Mr. James Odaudu.

The four major commercial airports are Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Murtala Muhammed Internatıonal Aırport, Lagos; Malam Amınu Kano Internatıonal Aırport, Kano and Port Harcourt Internatıonal Aırport.

Musa said that the ministry released the request in compliance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (N4P).

He said the airports’ surrounding communities were intended to develop into efficient, profitable, self-sustaining, commercial hubs, which would create more jobs and develop local industries through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

“The Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation is inviting bids from reputable airport developers/operators/financiers/consortia for pre-qualification for the concession of selected airports terminals under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

“The airport’s terminal concession is one of the critical projects under the sector roadmap of the FGN and fits well within the scope of the ministry’s strategic plan for the sector.

“The execution of this project is meant to achieve the Federal Government’s objective in terms of air transport value chain growth.

“The project will develop and profitably managing customer centered airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality,” he said.

Musa said the eligibility requirements were full names of firm/consortia; evidence of company registration; ownership structure of bidding entity; audited financial statements; sworn affidavit.

According to him, others are the Power of Attorney/Board Resolution and in the case of a consortium, evidence in the form of a letter of association agreement.

He said that to be prequalified for consideration as a prospective PPP partner for the project, the prospective firms/consortia must had technical, operational and financial capability.

He said others included the experience in the Development and Operation of an International Airport and Cargo Terminals; Evidence of Financial Capacity in support of the company or consortium’s ability to undertake the airport concession.

The perm sec said this was as illustrated by a minimum net worth of N30 billion and Letters of Support from credible financial institutions in support of the consortium’s ability to manage and operate the airports terminals.

Musa said the Ministry urged the interested international parties to partner with local firms in compliance with the requirements of the country’s local content development policy.