.As Army pledges commitment to region’s security
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has described the signing of the concession agreement for Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu as a major boost for the South-Eastern economy.
Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General, ICRC, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, described the agreement as a milestone in Federal Government efforts to modernise national infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Ewalefoh said the PPP agreement was signed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on behalf of the Federal Government.
He said it underscored the growing momentum of PPPs as a central pillar of infrastructure delivery under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ewalefoh said the transaction was undertaken under the regulatory guidance of the ICRC, which ensured compliance with the national PPP framework, which included the certification of the Business Cases and due diligence.
“It also included negotiations, approval by the Federal Executive Council and vetting of the Concession Agreement by the Federal Ministry of Justice, before the contract was executed, in line with the ICRC Establishment Act.”
Ewalefoh described the signing as a strong signal of Nigeria’s readiness to deepen private sector participation in infrastructure development.
He said the transaction marked the project’s commercial close and sets the stage for full implementation in the coming phases.
“This concession will strengthen the airport’s role as a vital gateway for the South- East states by enhancing connectivity and providing essential links to domestic and international destinations—supporting tourism, trade and broader economic growth across the region.
“ The concession demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to unlock private capital, improve service delivery, and reposition strategic national assets for long-term sustainability in line with global best practice,” he said.
Ewalefoh noted the Enugu Airport concession aligned with ICRC’s ongoing efforts to streamline PPP processes, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and accelerate project delivery.
According to him, this will have far-reaching implications for economic expansion across all sectors and regions of the country.
He added that as Nigeria’s PPP regulator, ICRC provided regulatory guidance and transaction assurance to ensure the process aligned with established PPP frameworks, safeguards value for money, and strengthens investor confidence.
Ewalefoh commended Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his relentless efforts and strategic commitment to positioning the state as a key economic destination, noting that such proactive leadership and sustained engagement were critical to delivering transformational infrastructure outcomes.
He urged other state governments to emulate the growing example set by subnational leaders such as Mbah’s counterparts in Ondo, Cross River and Lagos states, among others.
“These state governments are leveraging PPPs to attract investment, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and drive inclusive economic growth in their states.”
Ewalefoh also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his leadership and instrumental role in driving reforms and advancing private sector participation in the aviation sector.
He also commended FAAN and all transaction partners for reaching commercial close, reaffirming ICRC’s commitment to supporting Ministries, Departments and Agencies as implementation progressed in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its determination to guarantee a secure environment for socio-economic activities and sustainable development across the South East, declaring that its troops remain resolute in protecting lives and property in the region.
.As Army pledges commitment to region’s security
In another development, the General Officer Commanding of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, gave the assurance at the Abakpa Military Cantonment Parade Ground, Enugu, during the 2025 West Africa Social Activities organised by Headquarters 82 Division.
“Be rest assured of the commitment of the officers and men of this Division to ensuring the safety and security for socio-economic activities and development to thrive within the South East,” Fadairo said.
He commended commanders and troops under his command for what he described as sustained resilience and operational successes.
“I must commend my indefatigable formations and units’ commanders and troops for the continued resilience in the field, which has yielded successes.
“I urge you all to sustain the tempo as we discharge our constitutional responsibilities,” he added.
The GOC explained that WASA remains a core military tradition designed to promote unity, cohesion, and cultural understanding within the Nigerian Army, despite the demands of contemporary operations.
“The observation of West African Social Activities has been conceptualised as an annual event across Nigerian Army units and formations.
“It provides a platform for reinforcing unity, resilience and mutual understanding, with emphasis on family inclusion, cultural sensitivity, moral development and civil-military relations,” he said.
Tracing the origin of barracks social life to the West African Frontier Force era, Fadairo noted that early soldiers from present-day Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia relied on communal activities such as music, sports, storytelling, and shared meals to build trust and cohesion.
“Those interactions laid the foundation for a shared West African military culture built on communal values and mutual respect,” he stated.
Fadairo expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, for providing strategic guidance and resources for the event, and thanked the Enugu State Government for its consistent partnership in security matters.
“My appreciation goes to the Enugu State Governor, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, for being a reliable partner in our joint pursuit of national security objectives,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices.
“On behalf of a grateful state, I want to say thank you to the Army, the Air Force and the Navy for all the incredible work you have done and continue to do to protect us,” Ossai said.
He stressed that the sacrifices of military families deserve recognition.
“Today is not just about the men and women in uniform that we send on harm’s way, it is also about their families and those who stay at home while they defend us,” he said.
Ossai described the relationship between Enugu State Government and security agencies as cordial and productive.
“It is not hidden that we have a warm and healthy relationship with the Army, Police, Air Force, DSS, Navy, and NSCDC,” he stated.
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