The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Bi-Courtney have ended nearly two decades of litigation with a settlement signed on October 20, following Federal Executive Council approval on April 30, 2026. The agreement addresses disputes involving FAAN, Bi-Courtney and Stabilini Visinoni, converting a relationship marked by competing legal claims into one with renewed payment obligations and development opportunities. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced that FAAN would begin receiving concession payments from MMA2 after years of disagreement, declaring that 'today, FAAN begins to earn its money from MMA2.'
A significant element of the settlement involves debt forgiveness. According to Keyamo's April announcement, Bi-Courtney accepted a write-off of a N132 billion judgement debt and associated interest, removing a major disputed financial burden from the relationship. However, the publicly reported settlement terms do not disclose the expected annual concession payment amount, the applicable calculation method, or evidence of receipts already collected. The government has also surrendered claims to accumulated concession fees and specified ancillary payments arising before execution, though these have not been publicly valued.
The concession arrangement dates to April 24, 2003, with operations commencing on May 7, 2007. Under the new settlement, the General Aviation Terminal remains federal property operated by FAAN, establishing clearer operational responsibilities. Bi-Courtney receives scope to expand its apron and accommodate regional African flights at MMA2, subject to capacity and agreed conditions. The company also regains rights to complete a four-star hotel and conference centre under separate leases. These developments could create additional traffic sources, strengthen connections to neighbouring African markets, and generate demand for ground handling, catering, retail and hospitality services.
Bi-Courtney chairman Wale Babalakin linked the agreement to employment gains and airport improvements, stating that 'it is going to unleash several quality jobs into the system immediately.' However, the announcement did not include verified employment figures or wage schedules. Aviation expert Samuel Caulcrick told a newspaper that the resolution appeared promising to prospective investors, while cautioning that stakeholders still awaited implementation details. The settlement may also help clarify contractual obstacles affecting a proposed Lekki airport, though resolving exclusivity disputes does not finance additional infrastructure or establish commercial viability.
For passengers and businesses, the settlement's value will depend on implementation: functioning facilities, reliable services and completed construction projects. The agreement changes the starting point by exchanging historical claims for continuing obligations, giving FAAN a renewed basis for collecting concession fees and providing Bi-Courtney opportunities to complete stalled assets. Clear reporting on receipts, construction milestones and operational approvals will be essential to prevent familiar disagreements from recurring and to demonstrate whether the settlement delivers tangible benefits.