The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr Wale Babalakin, has inspected facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos as preparations continue for the introduction of regional flight operations.
The inspection follows the recent signing of a settlement agreement concerning the terminal’s concession, which provides a framework for resolving the longstanding dispute involving the Federal Government and Bi-Courtney.
During the visit, Babalakin assessed areas undergoing preparatory work, including the regional arrivals section, apron extension and access gate for staff and concessionaires.
The Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services, Remi Jibodu, led the inspection team and briefed the chairman on the progress of the ongoing work.
The visit comes after the settlement agreement involving the Federal Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited. The agreement is intended to resolve the prolonged concession dispute and establish revised arrangements for the terminal’s operations and development.
The settlement has also opened the way for Bi-Courtney to advance preparations for regional passenger services, subject to the necessary infrastructure work and regulatory requirements.
Speaking on the preparations, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of BASL, Idunnu Oyebolu, said the company was pursuing two priorities: completing the arrangements required for regional operations and preparing for increased passenger traffic during the year-end travel period.
She said the operator was working to ensure that its facilities, personnel and operational processes would be ready to support passenger movement safely and efficiently.
Jibodu also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting the stipulated timeline. He said the team would intensify work across the different areas of preparation and strengthen coordination with relevant government agencies and aviation regulators.
He added that the required inspections and approvals would need to be completed before regional operations could commence.
The facilities being prepared are expected to support the processing of regional passengers and aircraft operations, potentially expanding travel options through the Lagos terminal.
The commencement of regional flights will depend on the completion of the necessary works and satisfaction of applicable safety, regulatory and operational requirements.
Deborah Adeyefa
