ICRC lauds Tinubu, Keyamo as MMA2 dispute ends,

From Idu Jude, Abuja

The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for resolving the long-standing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) dispute over the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, describing the intervention as a major boost for investor confidence in Nigeria.

Ewalefoh said the resolution of the decades-long impasse between the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited marks a turning point in Nigeria’s infrastructure concession landscape, stressing that it sends a strong signal to investors on the sanctity of contracts.

According to him, “such commitment sends a strong signal to both local and international investors that Nigeria remains a reliable and credible investment destination,” adding that respect for contractual agreements is central to sustaining confidence in the PPP framework.

He described the President’s intervention as a “masterstroke,” noting that it finally resolved a dispute that had persisted across multiple administrations and stalled clarity within the aviation concession space. The MMA2 controversy stemmed from disagreements over the PPP agreement, particularly clauses relating to exclusivity and the development of competing or complementary infrastructure within the Lagos airport corridor.

Ewalefoh explained that the resolution followed a coordinated process involving the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, and the ICRC, with regulatory concurrence obtained in line with established PPP guidelines.

He said: “With the removal of restrictive provisions and the restoration of clarity within the concession framework, Nigeria can now fully explore the development of new aviation infrastructure within Lagos State, including projects such as the proposed Lekki Airport, as well as complementary commercial and support facilities around existing terminals.”

He added that the outcome reinforces policy stability and regulatory certainty, noting that “when investors see that a dispute of this magnitude can be resolved through a balanced and forward-looking approach, it sends a powerful message about policy stability, regulatory certainty, and respect for agreements.”

Ewalefoh further stressed that the resolution delivers wider economic benefits, including improved infrastructure utilisation, enhanced operational efficiency, and increased revenue potential, saying, “this resolution is in the interest of everyone—the government, the concessionaire, the investing community, and ultimately the Nigerian people who rely on efficient and modern infrastructure.”

He also praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his role in the process, stating that his “expertise and engagement were instrumental to achieving the outcome,” while commending all stakeholders for their cooperation.

Reaffirming the Commission’s stance, Ewalefoh said the ICRC remains committed to ensuring that all PPP arrangements are implemented with transparency, value-for-money, and public interest at the core.

“The ICRC will continue to provide the regulatory guidance required to sustain this momentum, ensuring that future concessions are better structured, better managed, and better aligned with national development priorities,” he said.