The Regional General Manager, South South, and Airport Manager of the Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport (PHIA), Omagwa, Mrs. Ifesinachi Lynda Ezike, has revealed that the airport generated N21.41 billion in revenue between 2021 and 2024.
Speaking during a presentation titled “Investment Opportunities in Airport Public-Private Partnerships,” Ezike gave a breakdown of the airport’s earnings, highlighting a sharp growth trajectory in recent years. She noted that the airport generated N2.14 billion in 2021, which increased to N10.64 billion in 2024.
Between January and June 2025 alone, the airport recorded N7.47 billion in revenue—about 70% of the 2024 figure. January’s revenue stood at N1.99 billion, while N1.28 billion was earned in June.
According to Ezike, the Port Harcourt airport, established in 1978 to support air connectivity in Rivers State and drive economic growth, now serves about 1.5 million passengers annually and handles around 64 daily flights, including international carriers like Lufthansa and Qatar Airways.
She said the airport’s key strengths include its strategic location within Nigeria’s economic corridor, its growing passenger demand, and its modern terminals for both international and domestic travel. She also pointed to the availability of over 2,687 hectares of land for future expansion as a major opportunity.
However, she acknowledged some persistent challenges such as ageing infrastructure, high operational costs, over-reliance on aviation-generated revenue, and limited international airline operations—currently only four. She added that most of the airport’s workforce is ageing, with a need for continuous capacity building and training.
Ezike emphasised that Port Harcourt International Airport is well-positioned to become a major West African aviation hub. She outlined key opportunities such as diversifying into non-aeronautical revenue sources like hotels and shopping centres, expanding cargo services in line with rising e-commerce demand, and positioning the airport as a regional home base for more airlines.
She also said the airport has met over 75% of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) requirements for aerodrome certification, with relevant manuals, standard operating procedures, and infrastructure improvements already in progress. She noted that construction of a taxiway lane to the isolated aircraft bay, conventional taxiway lighting, and airfield lighting under Category II classification are essential to closing the remaining gaps for certification.
While discussing investment prospects, Ezike called for the adoption of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to help address infrastructure needs, improve service delivery, and bring in private sector expertise. She explained that PPPs can reduce government expenditure, share project risks, improve operational efficiency, and introduce innovation in infrastructure delivery.
“PPP enables project delivery without solely relying on public funds. Private sector involvement enhances efficiency, drives innovation, and reduces cost,” Ezike said.
She warned, however, of looming threats to growth, including economic downturns that reduce passenger numbers and spending power, rising competition from other airports in the region, operational safety concerns, and the volatility of aviation fuel prices.
“Port Harcourt International Airport stands as a gateway to economic transformation for Rivers State and Nigeria. With strategic investment, the airport can deliver improved infrastructure and services, making it more competitive in the region,” she concluded.
Ezike’s presentation underlined the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s intent to attract investors into the aviation sector and further modernise Nigeria’s airport infrastructure through strategic partnerships and reforms.
