ICRC DG lauds President Tinubu for resolving concession dispute

Mariam Abeeb

The Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), DR Jobson Ewalefoh has commended President Bola Tinubu for resolving the concession dispute involving the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos.
Ewalefoh, who made the commendation in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, said the President’s action underscored his commitment to upholding the sanctity of contracts and strengthening investor confidence.
He said the resolution sent a strong signal to both local and international investors that Nigeria remains a reliable and credible investment destination.
According to him, respect for contractual agreements is fundamental to building investor confidence, as it assures stakeholders that their investments are protected within a stable and predictable regulatory environment.
Ewalefoh described the President’s intervention as a masterstroke, noting that it successfully resolved a long-standing dispute that had persisted across multiple administrations.
He said that the MMA2 dispute arose from disagreements between the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.
Ewalefoh said the dispute was over the implementation of the Public-Private Partnership(PPP) agreement, particularly clauses relating to exclusivity and the development of competing infrastructure within the same airport corridor.
The ICRC boss noted that the resolution followed a coordinated process involving the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, and the ICRC, which granted concurrence in line with established PPP guidelines.
“With the removal of restrictive provisions and restoration of clarity within the concession framework, Nigeria can now fully explore the development of new aviation infrastructure within Lagos state.
“This includes projects such as the proposed Lekki Airport, as well as complementary commercial and support facilities around existing terminals.”
Ewalefoh added that the development reinforces investor confidence by demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to resolving complex issues and maintaining a predictable regulatory environment.
“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 further stated that the resolution would deliver tangible benefits to the economy and the public, 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,” he added.

Ewalefoh also lauded the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his role in resolving the dispute, noting that his expertise and engagement were instrumental in achieving the outcome.

He commended all stakeholders for their commitment, diligence and collaboration in reaching the milestone.

The ICRC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that all PPP arrangements are implemented in line with established guidelines, with emphasis on value-for-money, transparency and public interest.