Wale Babalakin, the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), has inspected the terminal at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, as preparations intensify for the commencement of regional flight operations.
The visit follows the recent signing of the settlement agreement concerning the MMA2 concession, marking a significant milestone in the resolution of the concession dispute and paving the way for the terminal to advance preparations for regional operations.
During the inspection, Babalakin visited key areas undergoing preparatory works, including the regional arrivals area, the apron extension and the staff and concessionaire access gate.
Remi Jibodu, the Acting Chief Operating Officer & Head, Aeronautical and Cargo Services, led the team during the inspection and presented an update on the progress of the ongoing works and preparations.
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The Chairman congratulated the team on the progress recorded so far and commended their efforts towards delivering the required infrastructure within the stipulated timeline. He encouraged the team to sustain the momentum and ensure that all necessary preparations are completed in readiness for the commencement of operations.
Babalakin emphasised the importance of close coordination with all relevant government agencies and regulatory authorities to ensure that the required inspections, assessments and approvals are completed ahead of commencement.
He specifically stressed the need to keep the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) fully engaged throughout the process and ensure that all applicable regulatory, safety and operational requirements are met.
He further charged the team to pay close attention to the finishing of the facilities, safety standards, operational readiness and effective stakeholder coordination.
Speaking on the preparations, Idunnu Oyebolu, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of BASL, said the company was pursuing a dual focus: ensuring readiness for regional operations while preparing for the anticipated increase in passenger traffic during the year-end travel period.
“As we put the necessary infrastructure and operational arrangements in place for regional operations, we are equally preparing for the anticipated increase in passenger traffic during the year-end season. Our priority is to ensure that our facilities, personnel and processes are adequately prepared to deliver seamless, safe and efficient passenger experience during this period. We are focused on maintaining service standards while positioning MMA2 to accommodate these developments,” she said.
Also commenting, Remi Jibodu, the Acting Chief Operating Officer, reaffirmed the team’s commitment to meeting the required timelines and ensuring that all outstanding work and operational preparations were completed as scheduled.
“We are committed to meeting the stipulated timeline for the commencement of regional operations.
Following the Chairman’s inspection and guidance, we will intensify efforts across all workstreams, strengthen coordination with the relevant agencies and regulatory authorities, and ensure that all required inspections and approvals are completed ahead of commencement.
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“Our priority is to deliver on schedule while ensuring that the facilities meet the necessary safety, regulatory and operational requirements,” he said.
The ongoing works form part of BASL’s preparations to accommodate regional passengers and facilitate efficient passenger processing and aircraft operations.
The development is expected to expand travel options for passengers and further strengthen MMA2’s role in Nigeria’s aviation sector and regional connectivity.
Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited remains committed to the continued development of MMA2 and the delivery of safe, efficient and customer-focused airport services in line with its promise of being “More than a terminal.”
Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
