The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Wale Babalakin, has commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the resolution of the longstanding dispute surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos.
Babalakin described the settlement as a victory for Nigeria and pledged that Bi-Courtney would meet its obligations under the agreement while pursuing projects expected to create employment opportunities.
He spoke at the signing of a settlement agreement involving the Federal Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited. The agreement resolves a dispute that had lasted more than 18 years, according to the report.
The BASL chairman attributed the breakthrough to Tinubu’s intervention through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
“This is not a win for us alone; it is a win for Nigerians,” Babalakin said, thanking the President, the minister and Nigerians who had followed the dispute over the years.
He said the resolution demonstrated that longstanding disagreements between government and private-sector operators could be addressed through dialogue and constructive engagement.
According to him, prolonged uncertainty surrounding commercial agreements can discourage long-term investment, making the settlement an important step towards strengthening investor confidence.
The agreement is expected to facilitate further development at MMA2, including a proposed hotel and conference centre, regional flight operations and an expansion of the airport apron.
Babalakin said the hotel and conference centre would provide accommodation and meeting facilities for business travellers, corporate organisations and other airport users.
He added that the project could create jobs in construction, engineering, hospitality, facility management and related sectors.
The planned commencement of regional flight operations and apron expansion could also generate skilled employment and stimulate commercial activity around the airport.
The settlement further addresses outstanding issues connected with the parties’ commercial relationship, including matters relating to the General Aviation Terminal, which remains under FAAN’s control and operation.
Babalakin said the agreement provides a framework for the parties to move forward through reciprocal concessions and revised obligations.
He assured stakeholders that Bi-Courtney would work with the relevant parties to translate the agreement into tangible results.
“We will not disappoint the President, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN or Nigerians,” he said.
He described the settlement as an opportunity to renew cooperation, deliver planned infrastructure and realise the full potential of MMA2.
