MMA2 Dispute: Babalakin Hails Tinubu Over FG-Bi-Courtney Settlement

The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN, has commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the resolution of the more than 18-year dispute surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), describing the settlement as a victory for Nigeria.

Babalakin’s commendation followed the signing of a settlement agreement involving the Federal Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited.

In a statement issued on Friday, BASL’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, said Babalakin praised the President for intervening through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Babalakin said the resolution was not a victory for Bi-Courtney alone but for the country.

“This is not a win for us alone; it is a win for Nigerians,” he said, expressing appreciation to Tinubu, Keyamo and Nigerians who had followed the dispute over the years.

He said the settlement sends a positive signal to investors that longstanding disputes between the government and private enterprises can be resolved through dialogue and constructive engagement.

According to him, prolonged uncertainty can discourage long-term investment, making the agreement an important step towards strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s investment environment.

The settlement also creates an opportunity to advance key projects at MMA2, particularly the proposed hotel and conference centre, as well as the commencement of regional flight operations.

Babalakin said completing the hotel and conference centre would improve the airport environment and provide accommodation and conference facilities for business travellers, corporate organisations and other airport users.

The project could also generate employment across construction, engineering, hospitality, facility management and related sectors.

He added that regional flight operations, alongside the planned expansion of the apron, would create opportunities for skilled employment and commercial growth.

The agreement also addresses outstanding issues arising from the parties’ longstanding commercial relationship, including matters relating to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), which remained under FAAN’s control and operation.

It incorporates reciprocal concessions and revised obligations, providing a framework for the parties to move forward.

Babalakin assured stakeholders that Bi-Courtney would fulfil its obligations under the agreement and work constructively with the relevant parties to translate the settlement into tangible results.

“We will not disappoint the President, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN or Nigerians,” he said.

He thanked Tinubu for facilitating the resolution, describing the agreement as an opportunity for renewed cooperation, infrastructure development and the realisation of MMA2’s full potential.