Solving the MMA2 regional air operations puzzle

In a climate where a lack of public infrastructure due to inconsistent government policies is common, it is absurd that the economy is booming. Nigeria, endowed with abundant human and material resources, has unfortunately fallen into a deep valley of decaying infrastructure, which has created an unimaginable abyss.

Incredibly, dry infrastructure will not save any sector of the country’s economy, including the aviation industry.

While the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is introducing all kinds of reforms to plug the infrastructure gap, bringing hope for a better tomorrow, there is a need to make maximum use of the yet-to-be-neglected amenities in public spaces for a secured future for the country.

One such public facility managed by a private operator that is still in a strong position today, 17 years after it was put into public use, is the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos, a public-private partnership (PPP initiative). However, part of the facility wants maximum use in accordance with the purpose for which it was built.

According to David Williams, “All human life can be found in an airport.” Ironically, the opposite occurred on the regional flight section of MMA2, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited. Facilities previously purchased to prepare passengers for routes in the West African sub-region were unfortunately covered in cobwebs; a sad reminder of the way previous administrations handled private investment issues that could have easily woken up a dormant economy.

I recently flew to Port Harcourt and had to arrive at the airport terminal on time to complete a few small tasks here and there. My movement through the terminal before my flight revealed a sight I couldn’t see for long. Even though I use this terminal often, I never knew that this type of facility was there ready to handle regional flights.

Therefore, it can be clearly stated that Bi-Courtney’s dilemma of not being able to use all the acquired facilities for regional air operations is a testament to what many private investors are struggling with in the face of Nigeria’s shaky economy and it is appalling. This is one of the reasons why many foreign investors are leaving the country en masse, leading to job losses.

Realistically, the behavior of any private investor is consistent with the admonishment of the serial investor. Phil Town says: “When it comes to investing, we want our money to grow at the highest rates of return and the lowest possible risk. While there are no shortcuts to getting rich, there are smart ways to get rich.

The situation surrounding the massive investment in MMA2’s disrupted regional air operations is a pathetic one that no investor would pray for. But if you get rid of the convoluted politicking that has grounded planned regional air operations, it’s a win-win for the federal government, Bi-Courtney, the airlines and future passengers.

While the government will reap more revenue through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), like Bi-Courtney, domestic airlines such as Ibom Air and Air Peace currently operating their domestic routes with MMA2 stand to gain significant cost savings operational by consolidating operations at one hub and will eliminate the hassle of passengers arriving at the international wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) intending to travel to the west coast.

Since the government is a continuum, the approval Bi-Courtney says was given by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for regional airline operations since 2014 should not be frustrating under any circumstances as many Nigerians work for the company.

Bi-Courtney said the approval was put on hold during the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan after the operator invested over $600 million to provide all necessary facilities that could ensure smooth and efficient coordination and operation of regional flights from the terminal. She added that in 2016, the Ministerial Commission on Airport Security issued an MMA2 certificate suitable for the commencement of regional air operations after revealing that it had invested money for this purpose in 2014, providing the required facilities, and had not yet recovered any penny from your investment. This is very depressing!

The government should do everything in its power to support private investors in developing the economy. It must include policy adjustments to attract much-needed foreign direct investment (FDI) to enhance economic growth and stability. This is the only way Nigeria can pull its economy out of the gorge it has gotten itself into.

Ajewole is a journalist and public affairs analyst.