Babalakin Hails Tinubu as MMA2 Dispute Ends, Pledges Quality Jobs for Nigerians
The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr Wale Babalakin, has commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the resolution of the longstanding dispute surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, pledging that the agreement would pave the way for infrastructure development and the creation of quality jobs for Nigerians.
Babalakin described the settlement as a victory for the country, following the signing of an agreement involving the Federal Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited to resolve the impasse, which had lasted for more than 18 years.
He attributed the breakthrough to Tinubu’s intervention through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, describing the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the government and private sector operators.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Babalakin said the resolution went beyond the interests of the parties involved, noting that its broader significance lay in the benefits it could deliver to the Nigerian economy and the country’s investment climate.
“This is not a win for us alone; it is a win for Nigerians,” he said, expressing appreciation to the President, the aviation minister and Nigerians who had followed the dispute over the years.
The BASL chairman said the resolution demonstrated that protracted disagreements between the government and private businesses could be settled through dialogue, negotiation and constructive engagement rather than allowing disputes to persist to the detriment of investment and development.
He noted that prolonged uncertainty surrounding major infrastructure projects could undermine investor confidence, particularly where substantial capital commitments and long-term commercial arrangements were involved.
According to him, the settlement sends a positive signal to existing and prospective investors that the government is willing to engage with private sector partners to resolve outstanding issues and create an environment conducive to business growth.
Babalakin said the agreement would also provide an opportunity to advance critical development projects at MMA2, particularly the proposed hotel and conference centre, as well as the commencement of regional flight operations.
He explained that completing the hotel and conference centre would enhance the airport’s facilities by providing accommodation and conference services for business travellers, corporate organisations and other airport users.
Beyond improving the passenger experience, he said, the project could generate employment opportunities across several sectors, including construction, engineering, hospitality, facility management and other support services.
The development is also expected to stimulate commercial activities around the airport by creating additional demand for professional services, supplies and other businesses connected to the hospitality and aviation industries.
The planned commencement of regional flight operations is another major opportunity arising from the settlement.
According to Babalakin, regional services, alongside the proposed expansion of the airport apron, could support commercial growth and create jobs for skilled workers.
The expansion of regional operations could also strengthen MMA2’s role in Nigeria’s aviation market by providing additional opportunities for airlines, airport service providers and other businesses operating within the sector.
However, translating these prospects into measurable economic benefits will depend on the effective implementation of the agreement and the completion of the proposed projects.
Babalakin acknowledged the responsibility placed on Bi-Courtney to ensure that the settlement produces tangible results, assuring the government, aviation stakeholders and the public that the company would honour its commitments.
“We will not disappoint the President, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN or Nigerians,” he assured.
The agreement also addresses outstanding issues arising from the longstanding commercial relationship between the parties, including matters relating to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), which remained under FAAN’s control and operation.
It incorporates reciprocal concessions and revised obligations intended to provide a framework for the parties to move beyond their disagreements and work towards the implementation of their respective commitments.
The settlement is expected to provide a basis for renewed engagement between the government and Bi-Courtney, with the focus shifting from the prolonged dispute to infrastructure delivery and the development of MMA2.
For the aviation sector, the resolution comes with the prospect of unlocking further investment in airport facilities, expanding commercial activities and creating employment opportunities linked to infrastructure development and regional air transport.
Babalakin reiterated his appreciation to Tinubu for facilitating the breakthrough, describing the agreement as an opportunity to realise the terminal’s full potential through cooperation among the parties.
He expressed optimism that the resolution would strengthen investor confidence, promote private sector participation in infrastructure development and deliver wider economic benefits to Nigerians.
The dispute over MMA2 had remained a longstanding issue in the relationship between Bi-Courtney and government aviation authorities. The latest agreement is intended to establish a new framework for cooperation and provide a path towards resolving outstanding obligations.
With the settlement now signed, attention is expected to turn to the implementation of its provisions, including the proposed hotel and conference centre, regional flight operations and apron expansion.
For Babalakin, the ultimate test of the agreement will be its ability to translate the resolution of the dispute into completed infrastructure, stronger investor confidence and sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerians.
