The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Dr Wale Babalakin, has commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the resolution of the protracted dispute surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, describing the settlement as a victory for Nigeria and a boost to investor confidence.
Babalakin gave the commendation through a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications of the aviation company, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, made available to The PUNCH on Thursday.
Recall that the government and Bi-Courtney had engaged in a protracted legal battle over agreements signed between the duo and their
The dispute between the aviation company and the Federal Government revolved around a protracted, multi-decade disagreement over the concession of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two in Lagos.
While expressing gratitude to Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Nigerians who had followed the dispute over the years, Babalakin said, “This is not a win for us alone; it is a win for Nigerians”.
The aviation company’s boss further said the agreement demonstrated that even deeply entrenched disputes between government and private businesses could be resolved through dialogue, mutual concessions and constructive engagement.
Prolonged uncertainty, he noted, could undermine investors’ willingness to commit resources to long-term projects. Resolving such disputes, therefore, sends a positive signal to businesses considering investments in Nigeria.
Babalakin said the projects offered opportunities to translate the agreement into tangible benefits for Nigerians through infrastructure delivery, employment generation and increased commercial activity.
The statement further stated, “Completing the Hotel and Conference Centre would enhance the airport environment and provide accommodation and conference facilities for business travellers, corporate organisations and other airport users. The project also has the potential to generate employment across construction, engineering, hospitality, facility management and related services.
“The commencement of regional operations, alongside the planned apron expansion, would create opportunities for skilled employment and commercial growth”.
The agreement also addresses outstanding matters arising from the parties’ longstanding commercial relationship, including issues relating to the General Aviation Terminal, which remained under FAAN’s control and operation.
The company said the new development provides for reciprocal concessions and revised obligations intended to establish a framework for cooperation going forward.
Babalakin acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the agreement, assuring the Federal Government, FAAN and the Nigerian public that Bi-Courtney would honour its obligations and work collaboratively with the relevant stakeholders.
“We will not disappoint the President, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN or Nigerians,” he assured.