FG opens bid for concession of four int’l airport terminals

The federal government has opened the bidding process for the concession of four major international airport terminals in the country.

The airports include Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Murtala Muhammed Internatıonal Airport, Lagos; Malam Amınu Kano Internatıonal Airport, Kano; and Port Harcourt Internatıonal Airport.

In April, the federal government had said the concession would be for a period between 20-30 years.

Last week, it assured workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that it would not terminate their employment amid plans to concession the airports.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Hassan Musa, permanent secretary of the ministry of aviation, announced the opening of the bidding process in a statement on Monday.

The bid begins with the request for qualification for the concession of the four international airport terminals and other related services.

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

He said the development of the terminals and surroundings would boost job creation and the development of local industries through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Musa said the development is part of the sector’s roadmap of the federal government to boost air transport value chain growth.

“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 (PPP) arrangement,” the statement reads.

“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-centred airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality.”

According to the permanent secretary, eligibility requirements for the concession include full names of firm/consortia; evidence of company registration; ownership structure of bidding entity; audited financial statements; and sworn affidavit.

Others are the power of attorney/board resolution and in the case of a consortium, evidence in the form of a letter of the association agreement.

Technical, operational and financial capabilities are also prerequisites for consideration as a prospective PPP partner for the project.

Musa added that 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 should also be provided.

He said this would be 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.

The ministry urged interested foreign parties to partner with local firms in compliance with the requirements of the country’s local content development policy.