By Iroyin Yoruba Television
LAGOS, NIGERIA — October 24, 2026
The Federal Government and Bi-Courtney Group have signed a settlement agreement aimed at ending nearly two decades of legal and financial disputes over the management of facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
The agreement, formalised on October 20, involves the Federal Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney and Stabilini Visinoni Limited. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the settlement followed prolonged negotiations and was intended to replace years of litigation with clearer contractual and operational obligations.
One of the central provisions concerns Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, popularly known as MMA2. Under the revised arrangement, FAAN is expected to resume receiving concession revenue, while the parties have agreed to relinquish specified historical financial claims against one another.
Keyamo said FAAN had not received revenue from MMA2 during the period of the dispute. The new agreement is intended to restore revenue collection while establishing a fresh framework for cooperation between the airport authority and the concessionaire.
The settlement also addresses the General Aviation Terminal, commonly associated with the old domestic airport. The minister said the agreement recognises the facility as Federal Government property to be operated by FAAN, resolving a long-running disagreement over its status.
Bi-Courtney has also been granted scope to expand its apron and accommodate regional flights within Africa at MMA2, subject to the terminal’s capacity and applicable requirements. The arrangement further provides for separate lease agreements and renewed obligations concerning a hotel and conference centre project that has remained unfinished for years.
The dispute dates back to the concession arrangements for the domestic terminal, which originated in 2003. Disagreements over contractual rights, financial obligations, terminal facilities and associated developments resulted in multiple legal proceedings under successive administrations.
As part of the settlement, the parties have agreed to relinquish specified historical claims rather than continue pursuing them under the previous arrangements. Reports on the agreement also state that Bi-Courtney has waived a claim involving ₦132 billion in judgment damages and interest against the Federal Government.
The settlement does not, by itself, mean that every associated project has been completed. The parties must still implement their obligations, including the agreed arrangements for the unfinished hotel and conference centre and the revised operational terms.
Keyamo said government agencies would retain oversight of security, emergency response, access and maintenance standards. The minister stressed that the value of the agreement would ultimately depend on its practical results for airport operations and passengers.
The resolution could provide greater certainty for investment and reduce the burden of prolonged litigation on public institutions and private operators. However, the expected benefits—including completed facilities, stronger revenue collection and improved services—will depend on whether the parties deliver on their commitments.
The settlement therefore marks a significant change in the relationship between the government and the concessionaire, but its long-term impact will be judged by implementation rather than the signing ceremony alone.