Despite a massive N600 Million investment in 2014 to prepare the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two ( MMA2) for regional operations, the terminal 10 years later is still optimistic its approval to commence will come giving the new level of collaboration amongst players in the sector.
Bi-courtney Aviation Services Limited ( BASL) operators of the MMA2 stated today that more politics and less regulations was used to stall regional operations from the terminal despite meeting Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) requirements.
A quick terminal tour shows some of the compliance from clearly separating domestic from regional passengers to providing facilities for security and facilitation agencies like Immigration, quarantine, NDLEA among others.
According to Head, Operations BASL, Mr. Ewah Blessing, the terminal is ready to go despite the 10 year stall.
He said,” The issue of regional operations is not a regulatory issue, it is not political and so we are dealing with that politically as well. Everything that was required to start regional operations we have met and this was inspected by the NCAA.
“We are now we new times and we are all positive the infrastructure for regional operations are still in place and we believe that in little or no time we will start and at the end of the day, this will be for the benefit of the industry if you are to start regional operations out of our terminal,” Mr. Blessing said.
He was saddened that the huge amount was sank into the regional operations and has not been used nor return on investment (ROI) achieved.
Speaking earlier, Acting Chief Operating Officer of MMA2, Mrs Tosan Duncan Odukoya made allusion to the new found relationship with FAAN stating that it is borne of real synergy not just political and economic ties but beyond.
“In recent times, we have embarked on a new journey of collaboration and partnership, working hard at forging a strong bond with the Federal airport authorities of Nigeria, under whose auspices we operate as a privileged, public-private partnership. This connection is not merely political or economic; it’s a testament to the synergy that drives progress in our modern world.
Odukoya said in its remarkable 16 years of operations driven by the doggedness and visionary leadership of its Chairman, Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, the terminal has transformed.
“We’ve evolved from being a mere terminal into an integral part of the travel experience for over 8000 departing and arriving customers each day. Safety and security are not just watchwords but foundational principles, ensuring the trust and confidence of the travelling public.
“…We’re not just processing people; we’re building a lifestyle community. A space where serenity and self-assuredness coexist, offering a respite from the fast-paced world beyond these walls.
