The Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN, has inspected ongoing infrastructure works at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, as the airport operator intensifies preparations for the commencement of regional flight operations.
The inspection comes following the recent signing of a settlement agreement concerning the MMA2 concession, a development that marks a significant step towards resolving the longstanding dispute over the terminal and advancing plans to expand its operational capacity.
During the visit, Babalakin inspected key areas undergoing preparatory works, including the regional arrivals area, apron extension and access gate for staff and concessionaires.
The facilities form part of the infrastructure required to accommodate regional passengers and support the efficient processing of passengers and aircraft operations.
The Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services, Mr Remi Jibodu, led the inspection team and briefed the chairman on the progress of the ongoing works and preparations for the commencement of regional services.
Babalakin congratulated the team on the progress recorded and commended its efforts towards delivering the required infrastructure within the stipulated timeline.
He urged the team to sustain the pace of work and ensure that all outstanding preparations were completed on schedule, stressing that infrastructure delivery must be accompanied by strict adherence to safety standards, operational requirements and appropriate finishing of the facilities.
The BASL chairman also emphasised the need for effective coordination with relevant government agencies and aviation regulatory authorities before the commencement of operations.
He specifically called for sustained engagement with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), noting the importance of ensuring that all necessary inspections, assessments and regulatory approvals were secured ahead of the launch.
The emphasis on regulatory compliance underscores the importance of ensuring that the proposed regional operations meet applicable aviation safety and operational standards before passengers and aircraft begin using the facilities.
Speaking on the preparations, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of BASL, Mrs Idunnu Oyebolu, said the company was pursuing a dual strategy of preparing the terminal for regional operations and strengthening its capacity to manage the anticipated increase in passenger traffic during the year-end travel season.
She said the company was working to ensure that its facilities, personnel and operational processes were adequately prepared to deliver safe, efficient and seamless passenger services during the busy 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,” Oyebolu said.
She added that BASL was focused on maintaining service standards while positioning MMA2 to accommodate the expected developments.
The preparations are expected to place additional demands on the terminal’s infrastructure, passenger-processing systems and personnel, particularly as the operator works towards introducing regional services while managing the seasonal increase in passenger numbers.
Jibodu, who also commented on the progress of the project, reaffirmed the team’s commitment to meeting the stipulated timeline and completing all outstanding construction and operational preparations as scheduled.
He said the chairman’s inspection and guidance would help intensify efforts across the various workstreams and strengthen coordination with the relevant government agencies and regulatory authorities.
“We are committed to meeting the stipulated timeline for the commencement of regional operations,” Jibodu said.
He added that the priority was to complete the required work and secure the necessary inspections and approvals while ensuring that the facilities complied with applicable safety, regulatory and operational standards.
The planned regional operations represent a potential expansion of MMA2’s role in Nigeria’s aviation industry, with the terminal expected to provide additional options for passengers travelling to regional destinations.
The development could also strengthen the terminal’s contribution to regional air connectivity, subject to the completion of the infrastructure works and fulfilment of the relevant regulatory requirements.
MMA2, operated by BASL, is a privately developed domestic airport terminal in Lagos. The company’s latest preparations come against the backdrop of efforts to resolve the concession dispute and advance the terminal’s operational development.
However, the commencement of regional flights will depend on the completion of the outstanding works, the readiness of operational systems and personnel, and the necessary regulatory inspections and approvals.
BASL said it remained committed to the continued development of MMA2 and the delivery of safe, efficient and customer-focused airport services under its corporate promise, “More than a terminal”.
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