MMA2 concession transparent, says Bi-Courtney

Bi-Courtney, operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, has called on the Federal Government to honour the concessioning agreement with it, insisting the process was transparent.

In a statement, yesterday, Bi-Courtney’s Group Head, Communications, Molara Wood, recalled how the agreement was reached.

“In 2000, after the old Lagos Domestic Terminal was destroyed by fire, FAAN advertised for a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) concession in two national newspapers. The Federal Government conducted a competitive bidding process, which was open to every interested person. Sanderton Ventures Ltd won the bid. The failure of Sanderton to deliver after 12 months, led FAAN to invite Bi-Courtney, as reserved bidders, to take over the project. The process was in no way shrouded in secrecy.

“The company is ready to defend its position at any hearing and will be doing so today, Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Federal House of Representatives. Bi-Courtney has always stood on the premise of integrity of process and rule of law in dealing with the provisions of this concession.

“It is regrettable that, while trying to provide a world-class facility for the public over the years, the concession has been a subject of much contention with FAAN and the Ministry. While Bi-Courtney constantly strives to work with government to facilitate the growth of the aviation industry, government has an obligation and responsibility to create a suitable environment for the concessionaire to deliver.

“With each change in government comes a new interpretation of the concession agreement, leading to divergence of opinion. Government should adopt a policy of engagement and respect for contractual agreements in the best interest of the industry, instead of leaving the concessionaire no choice but resort to potentially acrimonious litigation.”