The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Jobson Ewalefoh, has commended President Bola Tinubu for resolving the long-standing concession dispute surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 in Lagos, describing the move as a major boost to investor confidence in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Ewalefoh said the President’s action demonstrated a firm commitment to upholding the sanctity of contracts, a development he noted would reassure both local and foreign investors about the credibility of Nigeria’s investment climate.
The statement read, “The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, has commended President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for upholding the sanctity of contracts by resolving the long-standing Public-Private Partnership concession dispute involving the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Lagos.
“This commitment sends a strong signal to both local and international investors that Nigeria remains a reliable and credible investment destination. Respecting contractual agreements is fundamental to building investor confidence, as it assures stakeholders that their investments are protected within a stable and predictable regulatory environment.”
The ICRC boss described the intervention as a “masterstroke,” noting that it successfully resolved a dispute that had lingered across multiple administrations.
The MMA2 concession dispute involved the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.
The disagreement centred on the interpretation and implementation of key clauses in the Public-Private Partnership agreement, particularly issues relating to exclusivity and the development of competing or complementary infrastructure within the same airport corridor.
Ewalefoh explained that the resolution followed a coordinated process involving the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the concessionaire, and the ICRC, which provided regulatory concurrence in line with established PPP guidelines.
He said, “The President’s commitment to the rule of law and due process is evident in the resolution of the impasse, which followed a coordinated process involving all parties. This reflects a balanced and forward-looking approach to dispute resolution.”
According to him, the resolution has effectively removed restrictive provisions within the concession framework, thereby creating opportunities for fresh infrastructure investments in the aviation sector.
“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.
Ewalefoh further noted that resolving such a high-profile dispute reinforces confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory environment and underscores the government’s willingness to address complex contractual issues.
“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. These are the foundations upon which successful PPPs are built,” he said.
He added that the outcome would deliver tangible economic benefits, including improved infrastructure utilisation, enhanced operational efficiency, and increased revenue generation.
“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,” Ewalefoh stated.
The ICRC boss also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his role in resolving the dispute, noting that his leadership and engagement were instrumental to achieving the breakthrough.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strengthening the implementation of Public-Private Partnership arrangements in the country.
“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, with strong emphasis on value-for-money, transparency, and public interest,” he added.
The MMA2 terminal, operated under a PPP arrangement by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, has long been at the centre of legal and contractual disputes over exclusivity rights and the development of additional terminals within the Lagos airport corridor.
The lingering disagreement had raised concerns among investors about regulatory uncertainty in Nigeria’s PPP framework.
However, the latest resolution is expected to reset the narrative, positioning the country as a more predictable destination for infrastructure investment, particularly in the aviation sector.
In conclusion, the Director-General reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that all PPP arrangements are implemented in line with established guidelines, with strong emphasis on value-for-money, transparency, and public interest.
“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.”
