Babalakin Applauds Tinubu For Resolving 19 Years Deadlock, Pledges Quality Jobs For Nigerians
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received commendation from the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, following the recent signing of the settlement agreement resolving the more than 18-year impasse surrounding Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), which he described as a victory for Nigeria.
Speaking at the signing ceremony involving the Federal Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited, Dr. Babalakin commended the President for his intervention through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN.
“This is not a win for us alone; it is a win for Nigerians,” he said, expressing appreciation to the President, the Minister and Nigerians who have followed the dispute over the years.
He noted that the resolution sends a positive signal to investors that longstanding disputes between government and private enterprises can be resolved through dialogue and constructive engagement. Prolonged uncertainty, he observed, can discourage long-term investment, making the settlement an important step towards strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s investment environment.
The agreement also creates an opportunity to advance key development projects at MMA2, particularly the Hotel and Conference Center, and the commencement of regional flight operations.
Completing the Hotel and Conference Centre would enhance the airport environment and provide accommodation and conference facilities for business travelers, corporate organizations 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 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. The agreement incorporates reciprocal concessions and revised obligations, providing a framework for the parties to move forward.
Acknowledging the responsibility to translate the resolution into tangible results, the Chairman assured stakeholders that Bi-Courtney would fulfil its obligations under the agreement and work constructively with the relevant parties.
“We will not disappoint the President, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN or Nigerians,” he assured.
A statement signed by BASL’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi says Babalakin “expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for facilitating the resolution, emphasizing that the agreement marks an opportunity for renewed cooperation, infrastructure delivery and the realization of MMA2’s full potential.”
