Babalakin Hails Tinubu As 18-Year MMA2 Dispute Ends, Pledges Jobs

The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr Wale Babalakin, has commended President Bola Tinubu for helping resolve the more than 18-year dispute over the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), calling the settlement a victory for Nigeria.

Babalakin gave the commendation 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.

He attributed the breakthrough to Tinubu’s intervention through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, noting that the agreement had created an opportunity for the parties to move beyond years of disagreement and focus on developing critical airport infrastructure.

“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 sent a positive signal to investors that disputes with the government and private businesses could be addressed through dialogue and constructive engagement.

According to him, prolonged commercial disputes and uncertainty can discourage long-term investment, making the settlement significant for efforts to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s investment environment.

Babalakin also expressed optimism that the agreement would pave the way for the completion of key development projects at MMA2, particularly the proposed hotel and conference centre, as well as the commencement of regional flight operations.

He said the completion of the hotel and conference centre would improve facilities around the terminal by providing accommodation and meeting spaces for business travellers, corporate organisations and other airport users.

The project is also expected to create employment opportunities across several sectors, including construction, engineering, hospitality and facility management.

Similarly, the planned introduction of regional flight operations, alongside the proposed expansion of the airport’s apron, is expected to support commercial growth and generate jobs for skilled workers.

The apron expansion would provide additional aircraft parking space and support the terminal’s capacity to accommodate increased flight operations.

The settlement 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.

According to the statement, the agreement provides for reciprocal concessions and revised obligations, establishing a framework for the parties to resolve outstanding issues and work together going forward.

Babalakin acknowledged that the settlement placed a responsibility on Bi-Courtney to translate the agreement into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

He assured the government and other stakeholders that the company would fulfil its obligations and cooperate with the relevant parties to advance the planned projects.

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

He reiterated his appreciation to Tinubu for facilitating the resolution, describing the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, accelerate infrastructure development and realise the full potential of MMA2.

he settlement marks a significant development in the long-running disagreement over the airport terminal and raises expectations that outstanding issues will give way to renewed investment, expanded operations and employment opportunities.

Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services LTD, Dr Wale Babalakin (left) with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a courtesy visit to the Minister’s office in Abuja

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