Abuja/Lagos — The Federal Government has resolved its long-running dispute with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited over the concession of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2), bringing to an end one of Nigeria’s most prolonged aviation sector conflicts.
The breakthrough was announced following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, where Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo disclosed that both parties had reached a comprehensive settlement agreement.
Under the terms of the deal, Bi-Courtney agreed to forgo a reported ₦132 billion judgment debt, including accumulated interest linked to the dispute dating back to 2009. The settlement also reportedly removes the exclusivity clause that had restricted the development of other privately operated airports in Lagos, potentially clearing the way for projects such as the proposed Lekki Airport.
The dispute, which began in 2003, centred on disagreements over concession terms, including operational rights, the handover of the General Aviation Terminal, and exclusivity provisions tied to airport operations in Lagos.
Analysts say the resolution could improve investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure concession framework by reducing legal uncertainty and demonstrating a willingness to settle legacy disputes outside prolonged litigation.
The agreement is also expected to reshape the aviation landscape in Lagos by opening space for additional private-sector participation in airport development and operations.
The MM2 terminal, operated by Bi-Courtney under a concession arrangement, remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent privately managed airport facilities.