Senate moves against airports concession, orders probe

The Federal Government’s hasty concessioning of the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja just six days before ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration came to an has been condemned by the Senate.

During plenary on Thursday, the Senate emphasised the importance of scrutinising all airport concessions undertaken by the previous administration.

The red chamber also called on the Aviation Committee when formed to investigate the concessions thoroughly and subsequently provide the Senate with essential recommendations.

Furthermore, the Senate called upon the Federal Government to consider reviewing the entire process of airport concessions, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all stakeholders involved.

The decisions were reached during the Senate’s deliberation on a motion titled: “Urgent need to reverse the concession of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano,” sponsored by Senator Kawu Suleiman (NNPP – Kano South).

The Senate reads: “The committee on Aviation when constituted should investigate the ministry and agencies concerned to report back to the Senate.

“Condemned in strong terms the concessions of Aminu Kano Airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and other airports that were conceded in the same way as they were not conceded in public interest.

“The committee on Aviation when constituted should investigate the ministry and agencies concerned to report back to the Senate.

“Condemned in strong terms the concessions of Aminu Kano Airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and other airports that were conceded in the same way as they were not conceded in public interest.

“Urged the Federal Government to review the entire exercise and give a level playing field to all stakeholders.”

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau who presided said though concession is in vogue, the way and manner the Federal Government hurried did the process should be investigated.

“Concession is what is in vogue all over the world because the government is a bad manager of business, even the Heathrow airport was concession to a Nigerian. And the airport is doing really well.

“Although these things must be investigated, I would still vote for concession, but it must be done in a transparent manner,” he said.