FG, Bi-Courtney Sign Agreement to Resolve Long-Running Lagos Airport Dispute
The Federal Government and Bi-Courtney Limited have formalised an agreement aimed at resolving a long-running dispute over the management and development of facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

The agreement was signed on October 20, 2026, by representatives of the Federal Government, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited, following years of disagreements and legal proceedings over the airport concession.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the settlement followed sustained negotiations and was designed to replace prolonged disputes with clearer financial and operational obligations.

The Federal Executive Council had approved the settlement framework on April 30, 2026. The signing of the final agreements marks a further step towards implementing the arrangement.

What the Settlement Means for FAAN
One of the principal outcomes is the resumption of concession fee payments to FAAN from the operations of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2).

Keyamo said FAAN had not received concession revenue from MMA2 for approximately 20 years because of the dispute. Under the settlement, Bi-Courtney is to resume payments due under the original concession agreement.

The agreement also provides for reciprocal waivers of specified historical claims. Bi-Courtney has agreed to relinquish outstanding claims against the Federal Government, while the government and FAAN will release specified historical claims against the concessionaire, including accumulated concession fees and certain related payments arising before the agreement was executed.

The settlement is intended to resolve past financial disagreements and establish a clearer basis for future obligations.

The precise financial impact will depend on the implementation of the agreement and the payments that become due under its terms.

Government Retains Control of the General Aviation Terminal
The agreement also addresses disagreements concerning the General Aviation Terminal, commonly known as the old domestic terminal.

According to the aviation minister, the terminal remains the property of the Federal Government and will continue to be operated by FAAN.

The arrangement is intended to clarify the respective rights and responsibilities of the government and the concessionaire, reducing the risk of renewed disputes over the management of airport facilities.

The settlement also permits Bi-Courtney to expand its apron and accommodate regional flights within Africa at MMA2, subject to the agreed terms and the terminal's operational capacity.

Any expansion in flight operations will still need to comply with applicable aviation safety, security and regulatory requirements.

Unfinished Hotel and Conference Centre Included
The settlement covers a hotel and conference centre near the airport that have remained unfinished following earlier disagreements over the facilities and their lease arrangements.

The agreement restores relevant rights through separate lease arrangements, with obligations attached to the respective facilities.

Keyamo urged Bi-Courtney to complete the projects, saying their delivery would improve the airport environment and create opportunities for employment and commercial activity.

Completing the facilities could also expand the range of services available to passengers, businesses and visitors using the airport. However, the benefits will depend on the projects being completed and brought into effective operation.

Background to the Dispute
The disagreement dates back to a concession agreement signed on April 24, 2003, involving the Federal Government, Bi-Courtney and Stabilini Visinoni Limited for the design, construction, operation and eventual transfer of MMA2.

The concession was subsequently extended to a 36-year period beginning on May 7, 2007, and ending on May 6, 2043, according to statements by the aviation minister.

Over the years, disputes emerged over financial entitlements, contractual obligations, airport operations and the scope of rights connected to other facilities. The disagreements led to multiple court cases, including proceedings that reached the Supreme Court.

The parties also disagreed over the General Aviation Terminal and the hotel and conference centre project. These unresolved issues complicated the relationship between the concessionaire and the government.

The new settlement is intended to close the outstanding disputes covered by the agreement and allow the parties to focus on their respective obligations.

What It Could Mean for Airport Operations
The agreement could improve cooperation between FAAN and Bi-Courtney, provide greater certainty for investment and support the development of additional airport facilities.

For the government, the resumption of concession payments offers a route to renewed revenue from MMA2. For the concessionaire, clearer contractual arrangements could support planning and investment in the terminal.

Passengers and other airport users will ultimately judge the settlement by practical improvements: reliable services, completed facilities, effective security, adequate maintenance and a smoother airport experience.

The agreement does not, by itself, guarantee that every planned improvement will be delivered immediately. The parties must still meet their financial, construction and operational responsibilities.

Government agencies will also retain their relevant oversight responsibilities, including those concerning airport security, access, emergencies and maintenance standards.

Implementation Will Determine the Outcome
The settlement represents a significant step in resolving a dispute that has persisted across successive administrations. Its long-term value, however, will depend on whether the parties implement the agreed terms transparently and consistently.

FAAN will need to account for concession payments and oversee the responsibilities within its remit. Bi-Courtney will need to meet its contractual obligations, including those associated with the terminal and the unfinished commercial facilities.

Clear communication about implementation milestones, completed works and revenue arrangements would help the public assess whether the settlement is delivering its intended results.

The aviation sector will also be watching to see whether the agreement encourages further investment while protecting public assets and maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight.

Conclusion
The Federal Government's settlement with Bi-Courtney and Stabilini Visinoni marks a new phase in the management of MMA2 and related airport facilities in Lagos.

The agreement provides a framework for resuming concession payments to FAAN, clarifying the status of the General Aviation Terminal, accommodating regional flights at MMA2 within operational limits, and addressing the unfinished hotel and conference centre.

The immediate challenge is implementation. The settlement will be judged not only by the end of litigation but by whether it restores public revenue, encourages responsible investment and improves the facilities and services available to airport users.

This report is published by 247NewsCheck — Trusted News. 24/7.

Source Attribution
TheCable, October 20, 2026 — reporting on the signed agreement and its terms.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), October 2026 — report on the final settlement and FAAN's concession revenue.
Premium Times, October 21, 2026 — report on FAAN's renewed revenue collection and the settlement's operational provisions.
Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development — statements by the minister on the agreement.