Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) has intensified preparations to commence regional flight operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, following the resolution of the terminal’s long-standing concession dispute.

The Chairman of BASL, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN), disclosed the development during an inspection of key facilities at the terminal, where he assessed ongoing infrastructure works and operational arrangements ahead of the planned expansion into regional air services.

Babalakin, accompanied by members of the management team, inspected the designated regional arrivals hall, expanded apron space and dedicated access gates for staff and concessionaires as part of efforts to ensure the terminal is ready for the new operations.

The Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services, Mr Remi Jibodu, led the operational team in briefing the Chairman on the execution timeline, progress of work and current readiness levels.

Babalakin expressed satisfaction with the progress made, commending the project team for meeting preliminary deadlines and directing them to sustain the pace of work to ensure full operational readiness before the commencement of regional flights.

He also emphasised the need for close collaboration with regulatory authorities and security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), throughout the final operational and safety assessments.

The BASL chairman further charged the technical team to ensure that all facilities meet the required standards of safety, functionality and passenger comfort, stressing the importance of efficient operations and effective coordination among stakeholders.

Speaking on the preparations, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of BASL, Mrs Idunnu Oyebolu, said the company was simultaneously working towards the commencement of regional services and preparing for increased passenger traffic during the year-end travel season.

She said management was focused on ensuring that the terminal’s facilities, personnel and operational processes were adequately positioned to provide safe, seamless and efficient passenger services during the peak travel period.

Oyebolu added that the company remained committed to maintaining its service standards while preparing MMA2 for the additional operational demands.

Jibodu, in his remarks, assured that work was progressing across the various technical areas in line with the projected schedule.

He said the company would intensify efforts across all workstreams, strengthen coordination with relevant agencies and regulatory authorities, and ensure that all necessary inspections and approvals were secured before regional operations commence.

The planned introduction of regional flight services at MMA2 is expected to expand the terminal’s operations beyond domestic routes, improve regional air connectivity and provide additional travel options for airlines and passengers using Lagos.

The development follows a landmark settlement agreement that resolved the protracted concession dispute involving MMA2, paving the way for BASL to pursue its regional operations expansion plans.

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The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, has commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the settlement of the more than 18-year dispute surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), describing the agreement as a victory for Nigeria.

Babalakin gave the commendation at the signing ceremony involving the Federal Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited, following the resolution of the longstanding disagreement.

He credited the President’s intervention, facilitated through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, with helping to resolve the impasse.

“This is not a win for us alone; it is a win for Nigerians,” Babalakin said, while expressing appreciation to the President, the minister and Nigerians who had followed the dispute over the years.

The development is expected to provide a basis for renewed cooperation among the parties and create opportunities for further infrastructure development and expanded operations at MMA2.

In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Mrs. Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, the company said 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.

Babalakin said the resolution sends a positive signal to investors that longstanding disputes between government and private businesses can be resolved through dialogue and constructive engagement.

He noted that prolonged uncertainty could discourage long-term investment, adding that the settlement presents an opportunity to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s investment environment.

The agreement is also expected to facilitate progress on key projects at MMA2, including the proposed Hotel and Conference Centre and the commencement of regional flight operations.

According to Babalakin, completing the hotel and conference facility would provide accommodation and meeting facilities for business travellers, corporate organisations and other airport users, while creating employment opportunities in construction, engineering, hospitality and facility management.

The planned regional flight operations, alongside the proposed expansion of the airport apron, are also expected to create opportunities for skilled employment and commercial growth.

Babalakin assured stakeholders that Bi-Courtney would fulfil its obligations under the agreement and work with the relevant parties to implement its provisions.

“We will not disappoint the President, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN or Nigerians,” he said.

He added that the settlement offered an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, advance infrastructure development and realise MMA2’s full potential.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has stepped up vigilance across airport operations following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging passengers and other airport users to remain calm and cooperate with health officials.

The authority said it was working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies to support efforts to contain the disease and protect public health.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, assuring the public that the authority remained alert to developments and would continue to coordinate its response with relevant health agencies.

Agbebire said FAAN would align its actions with public health directives and support additional measures considered necessary to safeguard passengers, airport workers and other users of the country’s airports.

He noted that the early identification of the case and the commencement of contact tracing underscored the importance of effective disease surveillance, established public health protocols and cooperation among government agencies.

The FAAN spokesperson urged passengers, airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate with health officials as containment efforts continued.

He also advised members of the public to obtain information from credible, verified sources and refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports capable of creating unnecessary panic.

FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant government agencies to protect public health while ensuring that airport operations across the country remain safe and efficient.

The authority said it would continue to respond to further guidance from public health officials as efforts to contain the reported case progressed.