The looming industrial crisis over the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu was averted on Wednesday after aviation unions and the concessionaire reached an agreement that guarantees workers’ job security.

The breakthrough came after the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting held at his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by leaders of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, alongside representatives of the concessionaire and ministry officials.

The agreement came after weeks of anxiety among aviation workers, who feared potential job losses and changes to employment conditions under the proposed concession plan.

In recent years, the Federal Government has stepped up efforts to concession major airports as part of broader reforms in the aviation sector, aimed at improving infrastructure, attracting private investment, and boosting operational efficiency.

However, aviation unions have consistently maintained that concessions should not compromise public sector jobs or transfer national assets without proper safeguards.

However, following what participants called “extensive and frank deliberations,” both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to safeguard the future of affected employees.

Under the agreement, no aviation worker will be unfairly displaced, and existing staff status, conditions of service, and welfare protections will be maintained according to the negotiated terms.

Speaking after the meeting, Festus Keyamo emphasized that the Federal Government would not implement infrastructure reforms at the cost of Nigerian workers.

He said, “This administration believes strongly in dialogue, fairness, and inclusivity. Infrastructure development and workers’ welfare are not mutually exclusive. We will continue to ensure that every reform process is guided by compassion, equity, and the overriding national interest.”

Keyamo praised the leadership of ATSSSAN, NUATE, and ANAP for demonstrating maturity and patriotism throughout the negotiations.

“This outcome shows that reform and social responsibility can go hand in hand. We are building an aviation sector that is modern, competitive, and people-centred,” he said.

Keyamo lauded the leadership of ATSSSAN, NUATE, and ANAP, describing their approach to the negotiations as both mature and patriotic.