The federal government has reached a comprehensive agreement with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, ending a 20-year dispute over the concession of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos.
As part of the settlement, regional flight operations have been relocated to MMA2, allowing airlines to begin using the terminal for such services. The dispute dates back to 2003 and centres on the scope of Bi-Courtney’s concession, including its claim over the adjacent MMA1 domestic terminal.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the resolution after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. He described the agreement as a balanced “give-and-take” deal that addresses longstanding issues.
Under the terms, Bi-Courtney has agreed to waive its claim to N132 billion in debt—previously upheld by the Supreme Court—return MMA1 to federal government control, and drop exclusivity clauses that had hindered projects such as the proposed Lekki Airport.
In exchange, the government has reinstated the company’s concession for a hotel and conference centre project opposite MMA2. The facility is to be completed within 24 months and will operate on a shared basis with the government.
The agreement also activates a revenue-sharing arrangement, enabling the federal government to begin earning from MMA2 operations.
In a related development, the FEC approved three rail projects worth $2.99 billion, including the Lagos Green Line (Phase 1A), Kano Metro Rail, and Kaduna Light Rail. The projects will be financed through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) with counterpart funding support and are expected to enhance transportation and economic growth.