CHUKS OKOH,
The President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade John Ogala Ogbe, has extended warm congratulations to the Federal Government, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited following the peaceful resolution of the long-standing legal tussle over the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) concession.
Speaking on the historic breakthrough, Comrade Ogbe in an interview, described the deal as a monumental win-win outcome for the Nigerian aviation sector, noting that the decade-spanning legal battle had severely hindered growth and industry harmony.
ATSSSAN Boss commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, alongside the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, and Dr. Wale Babalakin of Bi-Courtney, for their bold leadership and courage in coming to the negotiating table to finally lay the dispute to rest.
Comrade Ogbe highlighted that previous administrations had consistently shied away from confronting the complex MMA2 concession framework, praising the current leadership for taking the bull by the horns.
According to Ogbe, organized labour has relentlessly advocated for the resolution of the conflict over the years, as industrial peace remains the bedrock of progress and productivity across the country’s airport operations.
Underscoring the roadmap toward seamless execution, Ogbe revealed that part of the peace pact includes the establishment of an implementation committee comprising representatives from both FAAN and Bi-Courtney.
He emphasized that this joint body will oversee every agreed-upon item to its logical conclusion, ensuring that the government, private investors, aviation workers, and the flying public ultimately reap the full benefits of this historic reconciliation.
Meanwhile, members of the Federal Parastatal and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEEPPPA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) branch have commended the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo for resolving the 18 years face off between the FAAN and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd over the control of the terminal
Statement of Commendation by Mr. Emeka Njoku
In a statement Comrade Emeka Njoku, Secretary of FEPPPA, said “We wish to express our profound appreciation and commendation to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Managing Director/CEO of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku. Their exceptional leadership and courageous intervention have successfully resolved the long-standing 18-year dispute surrounding the ownership and operational control of the airport terminal”
Comrade Njoku noted that for nearly two decades, the protracted conflict created immense institutional ambiguity, stalled vital infrastructure development, and posed persistent challenges to workers and retirees across the sector.
According to him, the absence of a definitive resolution for 18 years undermined operational harmony and dampened investor confidence, creating an enduring burden on the authority and its extended workforce.
“The decisive leadership demonstrated by Minister Festus Keyamo has provided the necessary legal clarity, political commitment, and strategic direction required to break this long-running deadlock. By aligning regulatory mandates with the public interest, the Minister has set a remarkable standard for governance in the aviation industry”
”Equally worthy of praise is Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, whose administrative acumen, pragmatic leadership, and proactive engagement at the helm of FAAN ensured a seamless resolution process. Her commitment to restoring structural order, enhancing operational efficiency, and safeguarding institutional integrity has renewed the hope and confidence of all industry stakeholders”
He stated that the milestone achievement not only marks the end of a troubling era of uncertainty but also establishes a solid foundation for sustainable growth, modern infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced service delivery across Nigerian airports.
FEPPPA commended both leaders for their unwavering dedication to the nation’s aviation sector and remains confident in their vision for a globally competitive airport authority.
