Bi-Courtney hails Tinubu as 19-year legal battle ends

Add us to your Preferred Sources Bi-Courtney hails Tinubu as 19-year legal battle ends

Business
October 23, 2026 12:49 am

President Bola Tinubu. Photo: State House

The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Dr Wale Babalakin, has commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the resolution of the protracted dispute surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, describing the settlement as a victory for Nigeria and a boost to investor confidence.
 Babalakin gave the commendation through a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications of the aviation company, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, made available to The PUNCH on Thursday.
 Recall that the government and Bi-Courtney had engaged in a protracted legal battle over agreements signed between the duo and their
 The dispute between the aviation company and the Federal Government revolved around a protracted, multi-decade disagreement over the concession of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two in Lagos.
 While expressing gratitude to Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Nigerians who had followed the dispute over the years, Babalakin said, “This is not a win for us alone; it is a win for Nigerians”.Make PUNCH part of your everyday experience.Add us to your Preferred Sources
 The aviation company’s boss further said the agreement demonstrated that even deeply entrenched disputes between government and private businesses could be resolved through dialogue, mutual concessions and constructive engagement.
 Prolonged uncertainty, he noted, could undermine investors’ willingness to commit resources to long-term projects. Resolving such disputes, therefore, sends a positive signal to businesses considering investments in Nigeria.
 Babalakin said the projects offered opportunities to translate the agreement into tangible benefits for Nigerians through infrastructure delivery, employment generation and increased commercial activity. Evening recap: Sowore disputes police account, FG begins N50,000 support, other top stories Aso Villa solar project will free up power for Nigerians — APC PCC spokesperson FG begins N50,000 monthly cash support for poor Nigerians
 The statement further stated, “Completing the Hotel and Conference Centre would enhance the airport environment and provide accommodation and conference facilities for business travellers, corporate organisations 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 agreement also addresses outstanding matters arising from the parties’ longstanding commercial relationship, including issues relating to the General Aviation Terminal, which remained under FAAN’s control and operation.
 The company said the new development provides for reciprocal concessions and revised obligations intended to establish a framework for cooperation going forward.
 Babalakin acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the agreement, assuring the Federal Government, FAAN and the Nigerian public that Bi-Courtney would honour its obligations and work collaboratively with the relevant stakeholders.
 “We will not disappoint the President, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN or Nigerians,” he assured.

Olasunkanmi Akinlotan
Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His work focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism.

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