Concessioning a Strategy for Enhancing Nigeria’s Airport Operational Efficiency - Lessons from Developed Countries

Abstract

This study examines some concessioned airports in the developed countries and their operational performance level with a view to identifying the positive impact of concessioning on their growth, development and operational performance. The ultimate goal of the study is to provide basis for adapting the experience from lessons learnt to Nigeria's airports as a strategy for realization of airport operational efficiency. The study advocated for the concessioning of two principal airports in Nigeria because of their potentials to enhancing the application of the experience learnt from lessons on concessioning in the developed countries. Data obtained from relevant Government Institutions and Agencies in Nigeria were analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was concluded that Lagos and Abuja International Airport are the two major airports in Nigeria that can be privatized or concessioned in order to improving their level of efficiency. Happenings around the world have shown the efficacy of Government disengagement in running business through the policy of concessioning and privatization. Airport concessioning and privatization has been considered as a major tool to enhance airport efficiency as witnessed in the developed countries. Airport concessioning has the capacity to enhance efficiency of airport operation; reduce cost of airport services to stakeholders; decrease cost to the government for the support of airport sector; and attract private sector participation to free public resources for public services.