Airports’ concession: Concessionaires to have minimum net worth of N40bn, as FG releases criteria

Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation in compliance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (N4P) has released criteria for interested firms wishing to participate in the proposed concession arrangement on the country’s four international airports.

The criteria listed, among others, that prospective firms/consortia interested in the concessioning of the four international airports they must have evidence of financial capacity in support of the company or consortium’s ability to undertake the airport concession illustrated by a minimum net worth of N30 billion.

According to the Ministry of Aviation, prospective firms/consortia must be able to provide Letters of Support from credible financial institutions in support of the consortium’s ability to manage and operate the airports terminals.

The criteria are contained in a request for qualification for the concession of four international airport terminals and related services released, Monday.

A document signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Engr. Hassan Musa, listed the four major commercial airports to include: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja; Murtala Muhammed Internatıonal Aırport Lagos; Malam Amınu Kano Internatıonal Aırport and Portharcourt Internatıonal Aırport.

The document added that the surrounding communities are intended to develop into efficient, profitable, self-sustaining, commercial hubs, which will create more jobs and develop local industries through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) through the Ministry of Aviation is inviting bids from reputable Airport Developers/Operators/Financiers/Consortia for prequalification for the Concession of selected Airports Terminals under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

“The airport’s terminal concession is one of the critical projects under the Aviation Sector Roadmap of the FGN and fits well within the scope of the Ministry’s strategic plan for the sector. The execution of this project is meant to achieve the Federal Government’s 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 of quality,” the document stated.

The documents listed the eligibility requirements to include:

* Full names of firm/consortia

* Evidence of Company Registration

* Ownership structure of bidding entity

* Audited Financial Statements

* Sworn affidavit

* Power of Attorney/Board Resolution and in the case of a consortium, evidence in the form of a letter of association agreement.

It further explained that explained that to be pre-qualified for consideration as a prospective PPP partner for the project, the prospective firms/consortia must have technical, operational and financial capability including, Experience in the Development and Operation of an International Airport and Cargo Terminals, Evidence of Financial Capacity in support of the company or consortium’s ability to undertake the airport concession illustrated by a minimum net worth of NGN 30 billion and Letters of Support from credible financial institutions in support of the consortium’s ability to manage and operate the Airports terminals.

“The modalities for application submission shall be in a sealed envelope containing 7 copies neatly bound (1 original and 6 copies clearly marked) of the completed RFQ and the required supporting documents, which shall be clearly marked “RFQ for the Concession of Airport Terminals’ and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Federal Secretariat Complex Abuja.

“Application shall be submitted either physically or by pre-paid, registered/certified mail or courier to the address provided.

“The submission shall be on or before 15:00 hours Nigerian Time (14.00hrs GMT) on 27th September 2021,” the statement explained.

The request emphasis that the RFQ is the pre-qualification stage of the procurement process for the project in which interested parties are required to meet the pre-qualification requirements specified in the RFQ package, adding that only pre-qualified parties will proceed to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage and shall execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to issuance of the RFP documents.

The statement which urged applicants to seek for additional information by visiting (https://nacp.aviation.gov.ng)  also asked interested international parties to partner with local firms in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Government’s local content development policy while submission of RFQs through electronic media will not be considered.