The Lagos State Government’s initiative to construct a new airport in Lekki, aimed to complement the existing Murtala Muhammed Airport, is facing potential legal challenges due to an existing agreement with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, the current operator of the airport’s terminal. This agreement, established by the Federal Government prior to the commissioning of Murtala Muhammed Airport Two in 2007, expressly prohibits any new airport terminal from being constructed in Lagos as long as Bi-Courtney’s concession agreement remains in effect. This legal backdrop brings a significant complication to the proposed plans and may impact the feasibility of moving forward with the new airport project.
On the part of the Lagos State Government, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has taken proactive steps to initiate the construction by meeting with key figures from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. The discussions focused on expediting processes necessary for the airport’s development. Reports suggest that the governor sought both regulatory guidance and official approval from the Nigerian aviation authorities in order to embark on this ambitious infrastructure venture. The proposed new airport is viewed positively by industry experts, who believe its completion could alleviate congestion at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, significantly enhancing air travel efficiency within the state.
In light of an earlier Federal Government approval granted in October 2022 for the construction of the Lekki International Airport, there is optimism that the project could commence, although it must first navigate existing legal stipulations. The approval was initially presented to Sanwo-Olu by former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika during the Lagos Economic Summit in 2022, marking a significant step forward in the planning stages of the airport. However, the stipulations of Bi-Courtney’s long-term agreement complicate the timeline as this financial and legal anchor may impede progress depending on the courts’ interpretations of the contract.
Historically, discussions around a new airport for Lagos date back as early as 2009 during the tenure of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, who introduced the concept under a Public-Private Partnership scheme. Despite a flurry of interest from domestic and international firms, the project faced multiple hurdles, particularly from local landowners and financial constraints that stalled its progress. The significant funding allocation of approximately N102 billion in 2011 underscores the project’s importance; however, it faltered after Fashola left office in 2015 until Sanwo-Olu rekindled efforts with Federal Government consent.
The proposed site for the new airport is strategically located alongside the Lekki-Epe Expressway and spans 3,500 hectares, which is seen as an advantageous position for traffic flow and connectivity. As discussions around the project evolve, the position of Bi-Courtney remains uncertain. Attempts to garner a response from company officials have been met with silence, showcasing possible reluctance to engage in public commentary. This lack of transparency raises questions about the company’s stance regarding the impending legal complications and their operational interests moving forward.
Industry experts echo sentiments that Lagos, as Nigeria’s most populous and economically significant state, necessitates an additional airport to accommodate the growing middle class and burgeoning air traffic. Commentary from aviation logistics specialists highlights the potential for the new airport to serve as a pivotal element in expanding Lagos’ economic footprint, particularly within the context of free trade zones. Despite this anticipated economic boon, experts caution that the proposed airport’s advance is contingent upon the effective resolution of legal entanglements with existing operators, which, if unresolved, could deter investment and complicate future airport operations.
