According to Guardian , Former President Muhammadu Buhari faced strong criticism from senators yesterday as they expressed their dissatisfaction with what they considered a poorly executed concession of Aminu Kano International Airport and other airports just before the end of his tenure. The upper legislative chamber argued that the process was not in the public interest and urged the Federal Government to review the entire process and ensure fairness for all stakeholders.
The senators’ discontent arose during a motion titled “Urgent Need to Reverse the Concession of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano,” sponsored by Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South). Sumaila reminded his colleagues that on May 17 of this year, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) granted a 30-year concession of the airport to Messrs. Corporation America Airports Consortium.
Sumaila emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Ation does not own or operate any airport in Nigeria, as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is the agency responsible for the ownership and management of all federal airports according to the governing Act. Quoting the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) procedure document, Sumaila argued that a public entity must have the necessary authority, legislative and policy framework, or administrative order to transfer its responsibility when seeking to concession a facility.
Sumaila contended that based on the FAAN Act and ICRC procedures manual, it was clear that the entire concession process lacked integrity. He highlighted that FAAN, not the Ministry of Ation, possesses the power to transfer responsibility to a concessionaire and has the required legislative and policy framework for such actions.
The senator raised concerns about the alleged upfront concession payment of $1.5 million, considering that the airport generates $97.4 million for the government. He questioned the motivations of the parties involved, labeling the concession “dubious.”
Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP: Kebbi) joined the discussion, asserting that the Federal Government failed to exercise due diligence throughout the deal. Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, expressed his disappointment with the opportunistic actions of certain agencies and officials involved in the recent concession and privatization of national assets, taking advantage of Buhari’s inaction. Ndume emphasized that his remarks aimed to shed light on significant issues related to the concession process and urged his colleagues not to politicize the matter.
Sani Musa (Niger East) criticized the process, stating that international best practices were disregarded. Rufai Hanga (NNPP: Kano Central) called for the complete reversal of the concession.
Overall, the senators expressed their dissatisfaction with the concession process for Aminu Kano International Airport and other airports, urging the Federal Government to review the process and ensure fairness for all stakeholders. They questioned the integrity of the exercise, highlighted the lack of due diligence, and criticized the disregard for international best practices.
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