FG and Bi-Courtney Settle 20-Year Airport Dispute

The Federal Government of Nigeria and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services have reached a comprehensive settlement agreement to resolve a 20-year dispute concerning the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MM2) in Lagos. Announced by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a Federal Executive Council meeting on Thursday, the agreement includes the write-off of a N132 billion judgment debt owed to Bi-Courtney since 2009.

This dispute originated in 2003 when the Federal Government awarded Bi-Courtney a concession to design, build, operate, and transfer the airport terminal. The concession faced legal challenges, leading to a Supreme Court ruling in favor of Bi-Courtney.

Key terms of the settlement involve the removal of exclusivity clauses that restricted private airport operations within a defined radius of Lagos and the return of MM1 to the Federal Government. Additionally, Bi-Courtney has a 24-month deadline to complete a five-star hotel and conference center opposite MM2.