The federal government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited have signed agreements to resolve longstanding disputes over the management and development of facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
The agreements were signed on Tuesday at the office of
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, in Abuja.
In a statement, the ministry said the settlement, approved
by the federal executive council (FEC) on April 30, 2026, covers the management
of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), the general aviation
terminal (GAT), and an associated hotel and conference centre.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Keyamo described the
agreement as the outcome of sustained engagement and challenging negotiations,
adding that the parties had chosen dialogue and mutual concessions in the
national interest.
He said the settlement provides a framework for resolving
outstanding issues and establishing a more predictable working relationship
between the government and the concessionaire.
“Upon execution, Bi-Courtney waives all outstanding claims
against Government not yet settled, financial or otherwise,” the minister said.
“FAAN and the Federal Government also make concessions. The
agreement provides for the release of historical claims against the
concessionaire, including accumulated concession fees and specified ancillary
payments arising before execution.
“The public should therefore understand that this is a
reciprocal settlement. Both sides have agreed to surrender claims so that the
relationship can proceed on defined terms.”
Keyamo said upon execution, the concessionaire is to
commence payment of the concession fees due under the original agreement.
“The parties must administer the new arrangements in a way
that ensures that amounts falling due are properly accounted for and paid,” he
added.
The minister noted that the general aviation terminal
remains the property of the federal government and will continue to be operated
by FAAN.
He added that Bi-Courtney would be permitted to expand its
apron and operate regional flights within Africa from MMA2, subject to the
agreed terms and operational capacity.
“The hotel and conference centre are addressed through
restored rights and separate lease agreements,” Keyamo said.
“Government and the relevant regulatory bodies retain the
oversight responsibilities recognised in the settlement, including the agreed
provisions on security access, emergencies and maintenance standards.”
According to the minister, the settlement is expected to
strengthen investor confidence, improve government revenue prospects and
stimulate employment and commercial activities within the aviation sector.
He said the focus would now shift from negotiation to
implementation, noting that FAAN, the ministry and the concessionaire would
work closely through their legal, commercial and technical officers.
‘RESOLUTION WILL CREATE QUALITY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES’
In his remarks, Wale Babalakin, chairman of Bi-Courtney
Limited, commended President Tinubu for facilitating the resolution of the
dispute, which he described as having lasted more than 18 years.
Babalakin also praised the minister of aviation for his role
in achieving the breakthrough.
He said the settlement would create employment
opportunities, improve the airport environment and help address concerns over
abandoned projects.
“On this note, I want to thank you all. I will not
disappoint the president. I will not disappoint the ministry. I will not
disappoint FAAN, and I will not disappoint the nation,” Babalakin said.
According to the statement, the signing of the agreements
represents an important milestone in the government’s efforts to resolve legacy
disputes, strengthen public-private sector partnerships and promote investment
in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
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