By Nathaniel Irobi
The Federal Government and Bi-Courtney Limited have formally ended nearly two decades of litigation over the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), with the signing of settlement agreements overseen by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN).
The agreements — which also involve the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Stabilini Visinoni Limited — were signed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja.
The signing follows the approval of the settlement framework by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on April 30, 2026. According to the ministry, the framework “seeks to end years of litigation over the Management of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), the General Aviation Terminal and the Associated Hotel and Conference Centre.”
Keyamo: Resolution in National Interest
Keyamo said the settlement followed “sustained engagement and difficult negotiations,” noting that both parties had agreed to resolve their differences in the interest of the country. He stated that the agreement “provides a way forward after years of legal disputes and competing financial claims.”
Under the terms of the agreement, “Bi-Courtney will waive its outstanding claims against the government, while the Federal Government and FAAN will release specified historical claims against the concessionaire.” The minister noted that the settlement was “reciprocal, with both parties making concessions to establish a clearer basis for their future relationship.”
Keyamo affirmed that the agreement “recognises the Federal Government’s ownership of the General Aviation Terminal, which will continue to be operated by FAAN.” He added that Bi-Courtney “would be allowed to expand its apron and operate regional flights within Africa from Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), subject to the agreed terms and capacity.”
He further stated that “the hotel and conference centre would be covered by separate lease agreements, while the government and relevant regulatory agencies would retain their oversight responsibilities for airport security, emergencies and maintenance standards.”
Economic Upside
The minister noted that the settlement “would provide greater certainty for investment, improve government revenue prospects and create opportunities for employment and commercial activity in the aviation sector.” He stressed that “the benefits of the agreement would depend on the parties’ commitment to meeting their financial, construction and operational obligations.”
Keyamo acknowledged “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in facilitating the resolution” and commended the Federal Executive Council “for approving the settlement framework.” He also recognised “the contributions of FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, the management and legal teams, Dr Wale Babalakin SAN, and the representatives and advisers of the companies involved.”
The minister reiterated that “attention would now shift to implementing the agreements,” expressing hope that the settlement “would deliver completed facilities, dependable services and a lasting working relationship between FAAN and Bi-Courtney for the benefit of passengers, airport users and the Nigerian people.”
Babalakin Commends Tinubu
Babalakin, Chairman of Bi-Courtney, “commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for resolving the over 18-years dispute,” acknowledging “the efforts of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in achieving the breakthrough.”
He noted that the resolution “would create quality jobs, improve the airport’s appearance, address abandoned projects and demonstrate sustained engagement that can resolve longstanding disputes with government,” assuring that “Bi-Courtney would not disappoint the President, the Ministry, FAAN or the Nation.”
The dispute dates back to April 24, 2003, when the Federal Government entered into a concession agreement with Bi-Courtney and Stabilini Visinoni Limited for the design, construction, operation and eventual transfer of the domestic terminal. The concession initially provided for a 12-year term commencing May 7, 2007, but was later extended to 36 years.
Disagreements over financial entitlements, terminal operations and ownership of related facilities led to multiple court cases, including proceedings that reached the Supreme Court. A separate dispute concerned leases for the hotel and conference centre, which FAAN terminated on April 19, 2012, alleging that construction obligations had not been fulfilled. Bi-Courtney challenged the decision in court.
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