…Pledges Jobs, Regional f
Flights, Hotel Project
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr. Wale Babalakin, has commended President Bola Tinubu for resolving the over 18-year dispute surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), describing the settlement as 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 praised Tinubu for his intervention through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, saying the resolution would boost investor confidence and create opportunities for economic growth.
“This is not a win for us alone; it is a win for Nigerians,” he said.
Babalakin noted that prolonged disputes between government and private investors could discourage investment, adding that resolving the impasse through dialogue sends a positive message to businesses considering long-term investments in Nigeria.
He said the agreement would allow Bi-Courtney to move forward with key projects at MMA2, including a hotel and conference centre, regional flight operations and the expansion of the airport apron.
According to him, completing the hotel and conference centre would provide accommodation and meeting facilities for business travellers, companies and other airport users, while creating jobs in construction, engineering, hospitality and facility management.
He added that the planned regional flight operations and apron expansion would also generate skilled jobs and boost commercial activities around the airport.
The settlement further addresses outstanding issues between the parties, including matters relating to the General Aviation Terminal, which remains under FAAN’s control and operation.
The agreement provides for reciprocal concessions and revised obligations to enable the parties to move forward after years of disagreement.
Babalakin assured the government and other stakeholders that Bi-Courtney would honour its commitments under the agreement and work with the relevant parties to deliver the planned projects.
“We will not disappoint the President, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN or Nigerians,” he said.
He thanked Tinubu for facilitating the settlement, expressing optimism that the agreement would promote cooperation, improve airport infrastructure and help MMA2 realise its full potential.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
