Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, has said that the coast is now clear for the proposed Lekki Airport, Lagos.

Dr. Ewalefoh described the resolution of the MM2 impasse following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention as a masterstroke that has renewed investor- confidence in PPPs in Nigeria.

The D-G said in Abuja yesterday, “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 further emphasized that the development reinforces investor confidence by demonstrating the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving complex issues and maintaining a predictable regulatory environment.

His words, “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.”

The D-G commended President Bola Tinubu for upholding the sanctity of contracts by resolving the long-standing Public-Private Partnership concession dispute involving the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos.

He said such commitment sends a strong signal to both local and international investors that Nigeria remains a reliable and credible investment destination.

Dr. Ewalefoh stressed that respecting contractual agreements was fundamental to building investor confidence, as it assured stakeholders that their investments were protected within a stable and predictable regulatory environment.

The MMA2 dispute arose from a disagreement between the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited over the implementation of the PPP agreement, particularly clauses on exclusivity and the development of competing or complementary infrastructure within the same airport corridor.

Dr. Ewalefoh further noted that the President’s commitment to the rule of law and due process was evident in the resolution of the impasse, which followed a coordinated process involving the grantor, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the concessionaire – Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited – and ICRC, whose concurrence was obtained on the agreed framework in line with established PPP guidelines.

He also pointed out that the outcome delivered tangible benefits to the economy and the public, including improved infrastructure utilisation, enhanced operational efficiency, and the potential for increased revenue generation.

The D-G said, “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 lauded the leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his role in the resolution of the MM2 impasse, noting that his expertise and engagement were instrumental to achieving the outcome, while also commending all stakeholders whose commitment, diligence, and collaborative efforts made the milestone possible.

The D-G reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that all PPP arrangements were implemented in line with established guidelines, with strong emphasis on value-for-money, transparency, and public interest.

His words, “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.”