Frequently Asked Questions

  1. The delivery of this project helps Nigeria achieve its objective in terms of air transport value chain growth by developing and profitably managing customer-centric airport facilities for safe, secure, and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards.
  2. Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, with a broad range of investment and tourism opportunities. Investing in and continuously developing the asset up for concession is key to unlocking these opportunities. Our airports have huge potential, but they are currently operating at a suboptimal level due to a myriad of factors that will be addressed through their concession.

Infrastructure concessions are very complex and sensitive programmes. They often requiring years of planning and preparation to secure the requisite inputs and approvals from the relevant regulatory bodies. We are starting with the most strategic assets because successful delivery of this concession programme will give all stakeholders the confidence required to consider other possibilities in the sector.

The concession applies to the non-aeronautic assets of the airports located in the Passenger and Cargo terminals. They are thus comprised of the assets from the entry door of the airport to the point of embarking a plane, and from disembarking from a flight to the exit doors. This space commonly referred to as the Passenger terminal is comprised of retail spaces, waiting and seating areas, food courts, airport and airline lounges, baggage collection, check-in counters as well as administrative offices. The Cargo terminals are comprised of the facilities between the point of entry and up to loading and offloading points, including administrative offices within said facilities.

No, there shall be no change in the ownership structure of the airports involved in this programme. What has been mandated by the Federal Executive Council is a Concession programme. A concession is governed by a concession agreement whereby two parties – A private sector investor and a public sector owner of an asset enter into an agreement that gives the Private sector investor the right to operate said asset for a specific business and within the Governments jurisdiction, subject to certain terms that are agreed upon by both parties during the negotiation and contracting phase. It is thus a form of Public-Private Partnership whereby there is no transfer of equity between the contracting parties.

There is no conflict. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) was contracted to deliver a number of infrastructure projects throughout Nigeria in 2013. The Passenger Terminal development works are a small part of this, and the Federal Government has every intention to service its obligation.

The Passenger and Cargo terminals of each airport although separated for the purpose of the concession programme are within the various federal airport complexes and as such are of tremendous national importance from and economic and security perspective. We believe it remains in Nigeria’s best interest to maintain ownership for this reason.

The cargo terminals for all the four (4) airports will also be part of the programme.

The Federal Government of Nigeria is seeking partners who have the financial, technical and operational capabilities to manage these assets profitably and responsibly.

Infrastructure concessions of this nature come with a significant financial obligation which any responsible concessionaire will no doubt be keen to recoup. To this end we envisage a minimum of twenty (20) to thirty (30) years for the programme, which may be extended depending on performance and Nigeria’s best interests. That said – the duration is not set in stone and will be subject to negotiation and then final approval by the Federal Executive Council.

We invite you to visitaviation.gov.ng for regular updates.

The infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC)– the institution that oversees all concession and Public-Private-Partnerships in Nigeria has clearly laid out processes governing a transaction like this. The Transaction Advisors – a coalition of independent and reputable organisation have been mandated by the Ministry of Aviation (having received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement for their appointment) to drive this process transparently, ensuring that regulations laid out by the ICRC are followed whilst also ensuring that Nigeria gets the best partner(s) and deal possible given the unique attributes of the assets to be concessioned.

  1. The public procurement process is now live, and a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been published locally and internationally.
  2. The RFQ will give interested parties, local and international, ample time to prepare their submissions. Once the deadline for submission has been crossed, we will then begin the pre-qualification process. Only Pre-qualified parties will be invited to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP), which will also be published as per ICRC guidelines.
  1. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is seeking for partners who have the financial, technical and operational capabilities to manage these assets efficiently, profitably and responsibly. We envisage a competitive process and as such we will be advertising broadly. All qualified companies or consortia shall be allowed to submit proof of relevant qualifications once we have published a request for qualifications (RFQ).
  1. These are two entirely independent concession programmes and as such we are not at liberty to comment or join issues. We do however hope that all stakeholders appreciate that the concession programme we are focused on right now operates in an environment of enhanced governance with enabling structures and processes. At the time the MM2 Concession programme was initiated there was no ICRC. We are now operating in a much more mature environment as regards governance related to infrastructure concession programmes.

The National Council on Privatisation, which is chaired by His Excellency – Vice-President Yemi Osinbanjo, is a policymaking and advisory council enabled by the Public Enterprise (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act of 1999. It operates through a secretariat – the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE). BPE’s function is thus to implement the NCP’s policies on privatisation and commercialisation. This programme is a concession programme that follows the principles of Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP). This model will see concessionaires sign contracts for the management, development, operation and maintenance of these airports with the Federal Government of Nigeria. There will be no change in the ownership structure of the assets to be concessioned.

The Ministry has from the very start worked in partnership with all relevant stakeholders within and outside of government. ICRC’s process allows the Ministry some discretion as regards participation of external stakeholders, and this was exercised at the Honourable Ministers request when he invited organised labour to participate in the Project Delivery Team. The decision to bring Labour into the Project Delivery Team came about because of a deep appreciation of role Labour must play in delivering the best possible outcome for the Nation. The Ministry continues to engage proactively with all relevant stakeholders.

The process is driven by the Transaction advisors who are comprised of independent and reputable private sector companies appointed by the Ministry of Aviation, having gone through a rigorous process as laid out by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The Transaction advisors have been mandated to manage the technical aspects of the process – working with key stakeholders such as ICRC, FAAN and the Ministry of Aviation to design and deliver the concession programme. The Transaction advisors will continue to work independently with oversight from the Ministry of Aviation and ICRC. Their recommendations will then be submitted to ICRC and the Ministry of Aviation before being forwarded for review and final approval by the Federal Executive Council.

  1. FEC – The Federal Executive Council is the final approving body for this programme.
  2. ICRC – The ICRC regulates all infrastructure concessions and public-private-partnerships involving infrastructure in Nigeria and as such has oversight of this process in partnership with the Ministry of Aviation.
  3. BPP – The Bureau of Public Procurement has no role to play at this point having concluded its role by having oversight of the public procurement process that led to the appointment of the Transaction advisors.
  4. BPE – The Bureau of Public Enterprise has no role to play in this process as there will be no change in the ownership structure of the assets involved in this concession programme.
  5. The Presidency – President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) chairs the Federal Executive Council.
  6. National Council on Privatisation – The NCP implements its policies through the BPE, which has no role to play in this process as this is a Concession / Public-Private-Partnership and not Privatisation. There will be no change in the ownership structure of these assets.

From the date of publication of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) we envisage 6 – 8 months to transaction close.

ICRC has issued OBC Certificates of Compliance for four (4) assets only. These airports are Murtala Mohammed International Airport – Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport – Abuja (International & Domestic), Port Harcourt Airport (International & Domestic) and Mallam Aminu Kano Airport (International & Domestic). Our scope is thus limited to these specific airports. However, the PSC is at liberty to authorise the concession of these airports as a bundle or individual concessions.

No, the FAAN will continue to play its role as statutorily required. Any material changes to FAAN will need to come via an act of law by the National Assembly.

The Transaction advisors (TAs) is comprised of a team of seasoned executives put forward by Dentons (a multinational law firm with global operations), Infrata (a global infrastructure investment advisory firm), Proserve Energy and Infrastructure Consulting Services (an indigenous advisory firm focusing on energy and infrastructure projects), Templars (a leading commercial law firm headquartered in Nigeria) and Ciena (a leading legal and regulatory advisory services provider).

The Transaction advisors, comprised of independent and reputable private sector companies, were appointed by the Ministry of Aviation, having gone through a rigorous process as laid out by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). BPP’s laid down process for good governance in public procurement is available on their website.

All members of the Transaction advisory team have a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes in complex infrastructure projects. Their credentials were rigorously interrogated by the Ministry of Aviation, BPP, ICRC and the FEC. The international partners who form a core part of the team have deep aviation sector experience spanning several decades across the world.

The international partners who form a core part of the transaction advisory team have deep aviation sector experience spanning many decades in several jurisdictions. Their vast network of relationships is comprised of some of the most credible investors and operators of major infrastructure assets, which includes an array of international airports around the world.

There has always been some level of private sector interest in these assets.

  • A typical airport concession transaction might rely on a deal structure comprised of an investment commitment by the concessionaire for a minimum duration, an annual concession fee and a share of net operating income.
  • These are prized aviation assets and as such we expect to generate a significant amount of direct investment in what we intend to be an equitable deal for all parties. That said, the initial or short-term objective is to deliver significant cost savings to the Federal Government. FAAN will no longer be solely responsible for maintenance, investments, and day to day management into these airport terminals. Additional details will be made available to programme participants.

We are focused on driving a transparent and competitive process that will deliver the very best long-term partner(s) and outcomes for Nigeria. There are not many companies with the qualifications, experience and financial resources required to run assets like the ones up for concession so whilst we do expect Nigerian companies, or consortia comprised of groups of Nigerian investors, we expect the process to receive significant attention from the international community, perhaps in partnership with qualified and capable local companies and investors.

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) remains responsible for overseeing the management of Nigeria’s airports. FAAN will continue to play this role broadly.

The concessionaires will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the airport passenger and cargo terminals. The FGN, as the owner and partner to the concessionaires will make strategic investments in these assets alongside its partners. Any investment contributions made by the FGN will be based on robust medium to long-term investment and expenditure plans to be developed by the concessionaires and approved by the FAAN on behalf of the Government of Nigeria.

We envisage a competitive process, and our focus is on partnering with the right organisation(s) whilst ensuring that we get the best possible deal for all our airports and indeed the Country.

All tenants within the assets subject to the concession have entered into legal agreements with FAAN. FAAN will ensure that it respects and acts within the rules articulated in agreements with tenants and operators within the assets.

There are no national security implications. The Federal Airports Authority, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigerian Aerospace Management Agency, and all other public authorities tasked with collaborating with the Nations security apparatus will continue to perform their duties in close collaboration with the concessionaire. All relevant agencies have been carried along.

We feel it is best to focus on the non-aeronautical assets of the airports.

No, the FAAN will continue to play its role as statutorily required. Any material changes to FAAN will need to come via an act of law.

Additional information shall be made available to participating stakeholders. Please visit nacp.aviation.gov.ng for updates.

The Federal Ministry of Aviation remains in close consultation with the Federal Government and is also seeking counsel from the Transaction Advisors to assess the potential impact of COVID-19 on our plans. It is also important to remember that infrastructure projects have long-term horizons and as such our Outline Business Case, which was approved by ICRC in 2020, takes a deep and long-term view that aligns with Nigeria’s long-term vision for its Aviation sector. So, while we actively plan as responsible managers, we are by no means waiting for destiny to pass us by.

We strive to do our own part in securing strong growth for Nigeria by delivering the best possible deal for our airports to the people of Nigeria, thereby freeing up resources to pursue our long-term infrastructure development plans in actualisation of our Aviation Sector Roadmap, which is on its own a major catalyst for economic growth. A Nigeria that is better connected and served by world-class, efficient airports will contribute in no small way to improving our Nation’s Ease of Doing Business score and to us taking full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Like all other Airports – our airports have had a very lean period during and even coming out of lockdowns. We are however seeing a strong recovery in passenger traffic as markets reopen and passenger confidence, boosted by vaccination and testing programmes find their rhythm. We expect our international airports to progressively recover in line with global trends and we expect investor interest will be refreshed as Growth returns and our vaccination programme succeeds.

It is strongly recommended to have an airport operator as a shareholder in the consortium. However if for any reason the entity providing the technical capacity is unable to acquire equity interest in the consortium, there will be very strict requirements for the partnership and scope of responsibilities that will be legally binding by all parties within the consortium.

It is strongly recommended to have an airport operator as a shareholder in the consortium. However if for any reason the entity providing the technical capacity is unable to acquire equity interest in the consortium, there will be very strict requirements for the partnership and scope of responsibilities that will be legally binding by all parties within the consortium.

In view of the number of enquiries from both local and international parties interested in the concession programme of the four international airport terminals in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Aviation, in consultation with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), has decided to extend the deadline for the RFQ stage by 4 (Four weeks). i.e. the new submission date is now October 25th 2021 at 15:00HRS Local Time (Nigeria).

Monetary value invested on infrastructure, equipment, training, management systems etc. for the mentioned/listed project

Verifiable evidence of relevant experience in airports terminal investments, development, operation and management.

A detailed scope of required infrastructural development at each of the four airports will be provided at the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage of the process.

A detailed scope of required infrastructural development at each of the four airports will be provided at the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage of the process.

A detailed scope of required infrastructural development at each of the four airports will be provided at the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage of the process.

Concessionaires will be expected to invest in facilities that will improve the operations of the airport terminals in order to attain the set KPIs in the concession agreement.

The successful concessionaire will operate the passenger terminals recently delivered as part of the Federal Governments infrastructure development programme.

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RFQ available at: https://nacp.aviation.gov.ng/ or send an email to: enquiry@nacp.aviation.gov.ng to access Data Room

To be determined at the RFP stage of the process

Information Memorandum is available along with the RFQ document at the Data Room. Access the Data Room via the drop menu at https://nacp.aviation.gov.ng/ or send an email to: enquiry@nacp.aviation.gov.ng

This Privacy Policy is made pursuant to the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (2019) and other relevant Nigerian laws, regulations or international conventions applicable to Nigeria. Where any provision of this Policy is deemed inconsistent with a law, regulation or convention, such provision shall be subject to the overriding law, regulation or convention. A confidetiality Agreement shall be executed by all parties prior to issuance of the RFP documents.

To be provided at the RFP stage of the process

To be determined at the RFP stage of the process

To be determined at the RFP stage of the process

To be provided at the RFP stage of the process

Bidders are expected to conduct their due diligence prior to participationg in this process. However, at the RFP stage, additional information will be provided to qualified bidders that have scaled through the qualification processes.

Bidders are expected to conduct their due diligence prior to participationg in this process. However, at the RFP stage, additional information will be provided to qualified bidders that have scaled through the qualification processes.

Bidders are expected to conduct their due diligence prior to participationg in this process. However, at the RFP stage, additional information will be provided to qualified bidders that have scaled through the qualification processes.

No. MM2 is not part of this programme

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Full disclosure on litigations concerning the designated airport terminals shall be provided at the RFP stage, upon execution of confidentiality agreements by qualified bidders.

All existing commercial leases and concessions shall be novated and standadised in line with International best practices. FAAN has been directed not to renew such leases and concessions beyond a maximum period of 12 (Twelve) months.

Interested parties are free to partner with any entity or group of entities so long as all financial, technical and general bid requirements are met. Firms choosing to partner with local firms will need to ensure that their documentation clearly communicates the nature of the partnership. However, it is recommended to partner with local entities in line with Government’s Policy on local content.

Physical submissions are compulsory, however registered mails and courier services are accepted provided it is received within the specified submission timelines as published.

International travel restrictions are in place for many countries that host potential participants in this process and as such the Federal Ministry of Aviation, ICRC and the programme partners are currently finalising plans to address this, including a virtual roadshows during the RFP stage. Please visit nacp.aviation.gov.ng for updates.

None, but the operator must continue be a party throughout the duration of the concession.

To be provided at the RFP stage of the process

The Concession Agreement, ICRC Establishment Act 2005

Car parks, ramps, fingers etc.

No. However, the Concession Agreement shall provide the opportunity for the concessionaire to step in and fix any aeronautical asset that may hamper safety or continuos terminal operations.

All services that are expected to be provided by the terminal operator as defined by the scope of services in line with International best practices, to be defined at the RFP stage

Form IV-A focuses of financial & Investment capacity while VII is focused on staffing and mangement and technical capacity

Yes it is required for the other airports. This is a typo and will be corrected. Thank you for the observation

To be determined at the RFP stage of the process

Local partnerships are encouraged in line with the local content policy of the Government

Please refer to relevant Government Policies on Local Content

Combined assets of all members of the consortium will suffice, however if the lead member fulfills the requirements, the consortium will be deemed to have met the criteria

This is purely a commercial transaction that allocates risks to best suited parties that are positioned to undertake such risks, details of risk allocation will be published at the RFP stage.

There will be SLA’s for all parties across the value chain and details of risk allocation will be published at the RFP stage.

Yes an Outline Business Case (OBC) has been conducted and approved by ICRC and shall be made available at the RFP stage.

AUM will not be considered as part of the shareholder’s fund of the company, hence will not count as financial capacity for evaluation purposes. The balance sheet of consortium members will be used to determine their financial capacity as part of the evaluation criteria.

Combined assets of all members of the consortium will suffice, however if the lead member fulfills the requirements, the consortium will be deemed to have met the criteria