The Senate has expressed its condemnation of the concession of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) by the previous administration. The airports were concessioned shortly before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.

The Ministry of Aviation had justified the concession, stating that the projected nominal revenues from the combined concession of NAIA and MAKIA were expected to exceed $4 billion. The ministry argued that private sector investment would bring about much-needed upgrades to airport infrastructure, technology, and services, ultimately benefiting Nigerians.

However, the Senate has raised concerns about the hurried nature of the concession process. It has called on the Federal Government to review the exercise and ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders involved. Additionally, the Senate has urged its Committee on Aviation, once constituted, to investigate all airport concessions carried out by the previous administration and provide necessary recommendations to the Senate.

The Senate’s resolutions were made following a motion presented by Senator Kawu Suleiman (NNPP – Kano South). Senator Suleiman highlighted that the then Minister of Aviation had allegedly misled the Federal Executive Council regarding the concession of the airports.