Babalakin inspects MMA2 facility ahead of regional operations kickoff

Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN), has carried out a comprehensive inspection of key facilities at the terminal as preparations gather momentum for the commencement of regional flight operations.

The inspection follows a landmark settlement agreement that resolved the long-standing MMA2 concession dispute, a key regulatory step clearing the path for the private terminal operator to expand beyond domestic routes into regional air travel.

Accompanied by key management personnel, Babalakin assessed ongoing preparatory works across critical areas, including the designated regional arrivals hall, the expanded apron space, and dedicated access gates for staff and concessionaires.

The operational team, led by Mr Remi Jibodu, Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services, briefed the Chairman on the execution timeline and current readiness levels.

Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, Babalakin commended the project team for meeting preliminary deadlines and urged them to maintain momentum to guarantee complete operational readiness ahead of launch.

He underscored the need for seamless synergy with regulatory bodies and security agencies, instructing the management team to keep the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) closely involved in every phase of the final operational and safety assessments.

Beyond compliance, Babalakin charged the technical crew to ensure exceptional finishing across all public-facing spaces, emphasising that safety protocols, operational fluency, and stakeholder alignment must reflect world-class airport standards.

Beyond compliance, Babalakin charged the technical crew to ensure exceptional finishing across all public-facing spaces, emphasising that safety protocols, operational fluency, and stakeholder alignment must reflect world-class airport standards.

Addressing the terminal’s dual operational demands, Mrs Idunnu Oyebolu, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BASL, noted that management is simultaneously overseeing the infrastructure build-out for regional services while preparing for the anticipated peak passenger surge during the upcoming year-end travel season.

“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 stated.

“Our priority is to ensure that our facilities, personnel, and processes are adequately prepared to deliver a seamless, safe, and efficient passenger experience during this period. We are focused on maintaining service standards while positioning MMA2 to accommodate these developments.”

Reaffirming the commitment to the projected schedule, Jibodu added that actionable steps are underway across all technical workstreams following the Chairman’s directive.

“We are committed to meeting the stipulated timeline for the commencement of regional operations,” Jibodu said.

“Following the Chairman’s inspection and guidance, we will intensify efforts across all workstreams, strengthen coordination with the relevant agencies and regulatory authorities, and ensure that all required inspections and approvals are completed ahead of commencement.”

Adding regional flight processing at MMA2 represents a major expansion for Nigeria’s flagship private airport terminal, expected to boost regional connectivity, broaden airline options, and maximise terminal utility at Lagos’s busiest domestic hub.

Wole Shadare