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Nigeria Selects “Mai Martaba” as International Feature Film Contender

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Nigeria Selects “Mai Martaba” as International Feature Film Contender

Nigeria has selected the epic Hausa film “Mai Martaba” as its contender for the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 97th Academy Awards.

 

Produced and directed by Prince Daniel, the film explores power, love, greed, and betrayal themes in an ancient African kingdom, offering a transformative tale that challenges conventions and celebrates female leadership.

 

 

Set against the backdrop of a thriving trade era fueled by the Trans-Saharan exchange, the kingdom’s prosperity is cut short by a fierce internal power struggle within the dominant Agadashawa ruling clan. The film was shot on location in Daura, Katsina State.

 

 

The Nigerian Official Section Committee (NOSC), in a statement, said the film was selected for “its relevant theme of diverse voices in decision-making and inclusive leadership and its visual and technical appeal.”

 

 

“Mai Martaba” received the highest votes from the 15-member committee which include award-winning actress and NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus; President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Dr. Victor Okhai; veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde; former DGN President Andy Amenechi; theatre practitioner Yibo Koko; writer/director Izu Ojukwu; prolific film producer Emem Isong and journalist/film critic Victor Akande.

 

 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organising body of the Oscars, confers the IFF Award annually to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States which contains 50 per cent or more dialogue in a language or languages other than English. A shortlist of 15 finalists is scheduled to be announced on December 17, 2024, with the final five nominees will be unveiled on January 17, 2025.

 

 

“Mai Martaba” marks Nigeria’s third successful submission for the award and is anticipated to break the Oscars jinx that has plagued the country so far.

 

 

The 97th Oscars will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, and broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Founded on January 22, 1995, THISDAY is published by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LTD., 35 Creek Road Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria with offices in 36 states of Nigeria , the Federal Capital Territory and around the world. It is Nigeria’s most authoritative news media available on all platforms for the political, business, professional and diplomatic elite and broader middle classes while serving as the meeting point of new ideas, culture and technology for the aspirationals and millennials. The newspaper is a public trust dedicated to the pursuit of truth and reason covering a range of issues from breaking news to politics, business, the markets, the arts, sports and community to the crossroads of people and society.

Court gives Herbert Wigwe’s cousin ultimatum to explain interest in deceased banker’s estate

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Court gives Herbert Wigwe’s cousin ultimatum to explain interest in deceased banker’s estate

The Lagos State High Court Probate Registry has issued an ultimatum to Christian Wigwe to explain his interest in the estate of his cousin, the late Herbert Wigwe, former group managing director and CEO of Access Bank.

Christian had lodged a caveat on behalf of Shyngle Wigwe, the father of the deceased, apparently to contest the distribution of the estate as specified in the will of the late banker.

 

A caveat serves as a formal written notice filed with the probate registry regarding the management of a deceased person’s estate. By filing this caveat, the caveator challenges the validity of the deceased’s will and aims to prevent the estate’s administration from proceeding without being notified. This action seeks to block the issuance of probate or letters of administration until the matter is resolved.

 

In a document dated 21 October, and seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the Lagos probate registry issued a legal notice giving the caveator, Christian, eight-day ultimatum upon service to explain his interest in the estate of late Herbert Wigwe.

 

“The Lagos State High Court Probate Registry setting forth what interest you have in the Estate of the above-named deceased, Late Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe of No. 11 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos, contrary to the interest of the party at whose instance this warning is issued,” the notice reads.

 

Essentially, the notice urged Christian to respond and assert his interests in the estate of his deceased cousin and that if he fails to do so within the stipulated period, he risks losing the opportunity to contest the probate process.

 

“If you have no contrary interest but wish to show cause against the sealing of a grant to such a party to issue and serve a Summons for direction by the Registrar of the said registry.

 

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“And take notice that in default of your so doing the Court may proceed to issue a grant of Probate or Administration in the said Estate notwithstanding your Caveat,” the probate legal notice read.

 

The notice was issued at the instance of Uchechukwu Wigwe, the appointed personal representative of the estate of the deceased by virtue of the deceased person’s will dated 9 July 2013.

 

 

The notice means that the deceased cousin will have to appear at the Court Probate Registry to explain this interest in his late cousin’s properties.

 

Background

Christian Wigwe, the deceased’s cousin, in an affidavit dated 7 October and filed at the Lagos State High Court Probate Registry, accused Herbert Wigwe’s partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of assuming the role that belonged to the deceased’s father — Shyngle Wigwe.

 

Recently, there have been controversies within the Wigwefamily regarding the estate left behind by the deceased.

 

Several online platforms reported that Herbert’s father, Shyngle Wigwe, is at the centre of an alleged dispute regarding the distribution of his late son’s estate.

 

ALSO READ: Family battles Herbert Wigwe’s business partner over guardianship of children, estate

Christian reportedly filed a caveat at the probate registry to challenge the proposed distribution.

 

However, a statement signed by a member of the family, Emeka Wigwe, and made available to this newspaper, refuted the allegations, denying dispute over his late son’s property.

 

Furthermore, the statement described the reports as entirely “false and grossly misleading’’. It emphasised that the well-being and unity of his family have always been his top priorities.

 

It also said that neither he nor any member of his family has sought 20 per cent of his late son’s estate.

 

Here’s why Fathia Williams is facing backlash for her new movie ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’

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Here’s why Fathia Williams is facing backlash for her new movie ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’

Here’s why Fathia Williams is facing backlash for her new movie ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’

The actress took to X on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, to announce the release of her movie, Efuronye: The Unicorn. Captioned, “Power, Trade, Legacy,” the official film poster which she released caught the attention of netizens.

“She was more than a warrior, she was a ruler who rewrote history. ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’ is coming to your screens soon! Are you ready?” the post said.

 

The post sparked a lot of controversy especially because the movie is about Efunroye Osuntinubu, born in 1805, a Yoruba aristocrat, merchant, and slave trader in pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria.

 

She is said to have used her connections to establish a successful trade network with European merchants in slaves, tobacco, salt, cotton, palm oil, coconut oil, and firearms and allegedly owned well over 360 personal slaves.

 

As a wealthy woman, Madam Tinubu was able to influence economic and political decisions during her time. She had a massive security force composed of slaves, and she sometimes executed orders usually given by political leaders during the colonial era.

 

Fathia Williams, however, took to her social media to address the controversy around the film.

 

“Firstly, “Efunroye: The Unicorn” is not a promotional piece intended to glorify or whitewash a divisive historical figure like Madam Efunroye Tinubu. Nor does it carry any political intent or affiliation. This film is purely a work of artistic interpretation and storytelling. As a filmmaker, my goal is to bring Nigerian stories to life on screen, and this is no exception. The movie is an attempt to present Madam Tinubu’s life in a balanced and nuanced way, showcasing her triumphs, challenges, and the complex legacy she left behind. It is not an effort to reshape or glorify the historical narrative. “Like all historical figures, Madam Tinubu’s story is layered, and this film aims to capture both her strengths and controversies,” the post said.

 

She also stressed that the movie is inspired by true events and added that it is important to explore our history.

 

“As with any artistic work, it draws from history but also takes creative liberties to make the story more engaging for modern audiences. I believe that through this film, we can explore important parts of our history, but it is important to understand that it remains a work of fiction inspired by real events,” she concluded

 

Brooks Eti-Inyene

Clarence Peters: From Music Videos to Netflix Series

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Clarence Peters: From Music Videos to Netflix Series

The move to streaming with Inside Life has not been without its challenges. Peters describes the process of getting his work onto a streaming platform as complex and demanding, especially for content that deviates from mainstream expectations.

 

Nigerian Filmmaker, Clarence Peters, (ChannelsTV/ Nebianet Usaini)

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Clarence Peters, celebrated for his music videos, has made a significant leap into the world of streaming with his new Netflix series, Clarence Peters’ Inside Life.

 

Coming from a creative family, Peters’ journey into filmmaking was almost predestined. His father, Sir Shina Peters, is a legendary musician, and his mother, Clarion Chukwura, is a revered actress.

 

“I was born into it, unlike other people who have degrees in other things. If they say the government bans this thing, now it’s cleaner oh. I can’t do anything, you know. So literally everything that I am is both within the artistic side of the business and the business itself.”

 

This artistic environment provided Peters with unwavering support and inspiration in his chosen path.

 

He shared a funny story from his childhood that helped make him a solid decision; A friend of mine fired a shot in my groin. I was on the floor and I told God if He helped me recover from this, and I can count 52 players on this pitch that can play better than me, I’m not playing again. I got up, counted 10, and decided I was done with football. I told my mom I wanted to focus on film, and she was like, “Thank God he’s come to his senses,” he recounted.

 

Peters’ career began in television and stage productions, where he worked on shows like Everyday People from a young age. His extensive experience in television laid a solid foundation before he ventured into music videos, where he built a reputation for brand-building and visual interpretation.

 

When asked why he is known for not embracing his celebrity status, Peters attributed it to the fact that he is ‘behind the camera for a reason’.

 

“I think it’s probably because of the phobia of my parents and a lot of things they had to go through by being in the limelight. It wasn’t all fun. A lot of it wasn’t fun—the things they had to go through personally and in their lives, and I didn’t want that for myself. It still freaks me out when people recognise me. But nothing is 100% good or 100% bad. Sometimes you need it, sometimes you don’t. I’m grateful that I’m somewhat recognisable sometimes, but most times I would rather not be in that space if that makes any sense.”

 

The move to streaming with Inside Life has not been without its challenges. Peters describes the process of getting his work onto a streaming platform as complex and demanding, especially for content that deviates from mainstream expectations. “It’s not as straightforward as people might think,” he explains. “It can be complicated, especially if you don’t have the kind of relationships that you should have.”

 

Inside Life explores the harsh realities of life within the Lagos prison system, blending drama with supernatural elements. The series follows the intertwined stories of three individuals grappling with desperate situations, showcasing Peters’ ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

 

One of the central supernatural themes involves a familial curse that haunts one of the main characters, Ade. His grandmother pleads with him to break the curse that has plagued their family for generations. This curse manifests in various ways, adding a sense of dread and urgency to Ade’s journey.

 

Another supernatural aspect is the presence of shadowy figures and mysterious events that occur within the prison. These elements create an atmosphere of suspense and fear, as characters encounter inexplicable phenomena that challenge their understanding of reality.

 

Despite the hurdles, Peters remains optimistic about his foray into streaming. “I haven’t taken it in yet,” he admits, still in the midst of promotional activities. However, his dedication to storytelling and his ability to adapt to new mediums suggest that Inside Life is just the beginning of a new era for Clarence Peters.

Credit: Channels News

Dangote Refinery ships first 79.4 Million litres of Petrol by sea to domestic market — Report 

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Dangote Refinery ships first 79.4 Million litres of Petrol by sea to domestic market — Report 

Dangote Refinery has supplied about 79.4 million litres of petrol by sea to the local market, marking a significant boost to Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply.

 

The vessel, Sabaek, recently carried about 500,000 barrels (79.4 million litres) of petrol from the refinery to Lagos, according to a port report and ship-tracking data from Bloomberg.

 

This initial seaborne shipment follows about a month of the refinery distributing petrol by trucks.

 

The Vice President of (Oil & Gas) at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, had earlier said in a statement that the refinery will transport 75% of its local petroleum product supply via sea routes, targeting key locations like Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar.

 

He said products for Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, Apapa, and Atlas will primarily move by sea, with road transport reserved for urgent needs, easing pressure on road infrastructure and cutting transhipment costs.

 

“We have both exporting facilities by sea and by road. 75% of the production can be evacuated through sea. In fact, now we are ramping up to make it even 100%.

 

“Anything going to Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, Apapa, Atlas can all be taken through the sea. So only what is imminently required by road can be taken.

 

“But I also have the facility to load 83% of my production also through road. We have just built-in flexibility but we can avoid all traffic congestion on the road by evacuating through sea and it will also bring down the cost of transshipment,” Edwin explained.

 

At the same time, the refinery’s residue fluid catalytic cracker, a critical unit for fuel production, is still ramping up operations, according to a source familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity because the information is private.

 

What you should know

Dangote Refinery, with the capacity to load 40 PMS tankers simultaneously in 40 minutes and manage up to 2,900 trucks daily, poses a significant risk of traffic congestion along the Lekki-Epe corridor, prompting a shift towards sea transportation.

 

Given the influx of tankers from the refinery and other establishments within the Lagos Free Trade Zone, the Lagos State Government has implemented several measures to mitigate potential traffic challenges.

 

Transporting petroleum products by sea would not only reduce road congestion but also cut costs for the refinery, enhancing production capacity to meet domestic market demand.

 

So far, the refinery has supplied products locally, supporting the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in managing demand pressures amid its high debt obligations to international oil traders.

BasiGo raises $41.5 million to put electric buses on the road

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BasiGo raises $41.5 million to put electric buses on the road

BasiGo bus

BasiGo, a Kenya-based electric bus startup founded in 2021, has closed a $24 million Series A equity round and an additional $17.5 million in debt funding. The round was led by Africa50, a pan-African infrastructure investor, the British International Investment (BII), and the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

 

Other investors in the equity round included Novastar Ventures, CFAO Kenya, Mobility54, and SBI Investments. The loan includes a $10 million facility from DFC to support BasiGo’s operations in Kenya and a $7.5 million facility from BII to help BasiGo expand its electric bus services in Rwanda.

 

BasiGo was launched in Kenya in 2021 by Jonathan Green and Jit Bhattacharya after raising $1 million in pre-seed funding to manufacture eclectic buses in Kenya and put those buses on the road in Nairobi as commuter vehicles, popularly referred to as matatu. As of March 2024, BasiGo electric buses had transported over 4 million passengers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1,175 tonnes.

 

The funding comes seven months after the Kenyan government launched a national e-mobility draft policy to promote the local manufacturing and assembly of electric vehicles.

 

BasiGo will use the funding to grow its fleet of electric buses from 119 to 1,000 in Kenya and Rwanda over the next three years to compete with Roam Motors, which raised $24 million in February 2024.

 

“With BII’s support to expand our e-bus model in Rwanda, we are ready to deliver hundreds of modern, emissions-free electric buses across East Africa,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO of BasiGo.

 

The funding will also help scale up its e-bus assembly line and expand its pay-as-you-go model—a financing product that allows customers to lease BasiGo buses to cut high upfront costs—to new bus types. Its E9 Kubwa model can cost up to KES 7.5 million ($58,000). Ordinary buses used for mass transit in the cities usually cost a little over KES 5 million ($37,000).

 

 

BasiGo CEO Jit Bhattacharya and Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror, Kenya Power Managing Director and Chief Executive

BasiGo’s strategy is to tap into Nairobi’s Matatu culture, where small buses run by Savings and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs) move millions daily. BasiGo has partnered with SACCOs, including Super Metro and Citi Shuttle, to introduce their buses into Kenyan roads.

 

In 2022, it raised $4.3 million in a seed round, followed by $6.6 million later that year and $5 million in debt from BII. In March 2023, BasiGo raised $3 million in equity from CFAO and its venture capital arm, Mobility54.

 

 

Credit Towobola Bamgbose

We have plans to de-dollarise Nigerian economy – Minister Wale Edun

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We have plans to de-dollarise Nigerian economy – Minister Wale Edun

We have plans to de-dollarise Nigerian economy – Minister

The Nigerian government is making key efforts to de-dollarise the economy amid plans to strengthen the local currency.

According to J.P. Morgan, “de-dollarisation entails a significant reduction in the use of dollars in world trade and financial transactions, decreasing national, institutional and corporate demand for the greenback.”

 

Olawale Edun, Nigeria’s minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, made this known Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF annual meetings in Washington DC.

 

The event, tagged Global Investors’ Forum, had in attendance policy experts, market analysts, investors, fund managers, and civil society organisations.

 

Mr Edun said there was a move to de-dollarise the Nigerian economy and improve demand for the local unit.

 

The minister said the move is part of efforts by the fiscal authorities to complement the efforts of the monetary policy authorities and drive necessary economic reforms.

 

“There is also a move to dedollarise the Nigerian economy,” Mr Edun said, adding that local providers of services, regulators, and others are being asked to “invoice in Naira rather than dollars.”

 

Guinness Nigeria Holds 2024 Annual General Meeting Amidst Transition and Growth

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Guinness Nigeria Holds 2024 Annual General Meeting Amidst Transition and Growth

Guinness Nigeria Plc, a leading Total Beverage Alcohol company, has held its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), welcoming shareholders for an event that highlighted both resilience and progress. This year’s AGM is particularly significant as it follows the recent transition to a new majority shareholding, marking a new chapter in the company’s history.

 

During the AGM, Guinness Nigeria presented its financial results for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, the company reported strong topline growth, underscoring its ability to navigate adversity and the challenging operating environment. The shareholders of the company also granted unanimous approval to all the resolutions presented at the AGM, including the confirmation of the new directors appointed to the Board of the company.

 

Chair of the Board of Directors, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Dr. Omobola Johnson, said, “Within the period under review, Guinness Nigeria proactively realigned and repositioned itself to effectively adapt to the changing landscape of the FMCG sector in Nigeria. We continue to place a premium on the constant delivery of quality products to our consumers in relentless pursuit of our aim to be one of the best performing, most respected consumer products company in Nigeria.”

 

Dr. Johnson emphasized the company’s strong focus on innovation and consumer satisfaction, identifying them as key drivers of its success. She noted that as Nigeria’s foremost Total Beverage Alcohol company, innovation plays a central role in its operations. The company remains committed to continuously evolving to meet consumer needs while preserving the legacy of its iconic brands. This approach, she explained, has enabled Guinness Nigeria to maintain its market leadership, with a firm intent to build on this legacy in the years ahead.

 

The Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Girish Sharma echoed these sentiments, outlining the company’s strategic direction following the acquisition by Tolaram Group.

“Guinness Nigeria is one of the country’s leading companies, and while we have faced challenges such as currency volatility, we are taking decisive steps to address them. My three key priorities are restoring profitability, improving production efficiency, and building a strong, empowered team.”

Sharma emphasized the importance of financial performance and sustainable growth: “Our goal is to ensure every bottle we produce is more profitable and efficiently made. By empowering our teams, I am confident we will drive sustainable growth.”

 

He also highlighted the company’s resilience: “Despite macroeconomic challenges like inflation and FX volatility, Guinness Nigeria continues to deliver strong results through operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. Our transition under the new ownership presents exciting growth opportunities, including local sourcing initiatives that will drive both revenue and job creation.”

 

On sustainability, Sharma added, “As we embark on this new chapter, we remain committed to sustainable practices, strong governance, and community engagement. These values, along with our innovative strategies, will position us for even greater success.”

With the AGM concluded, Guinness Nigeria looks forward to the next phase of its journey, grounded in its strong foundation of iconic brands, innovative practices, and commitment to delivering value to its shareholders and stakeholders. Shareholders expressed optimism about the future, particularly the opportunities that the change in ownership will bring.

 

About Guinness Nigeria Plc

Guinness Nigeria, is the foremost Total Beverage Alcohol company in Nigeria with a wide portfolio of brands catering to consumers of non-alcohol and alcohol beverages including Malts, Ready-to-Drinks, Spirits, Stout & Beers. Some of its well-known and well-respected brands include, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Guinness Smooth, Malta Guinness, Orijin Bitters, Dubic Malt, Gordons Pink Berry, Gordons Orange Sunset, Smirnoff Ice, Smirnoff X1 Choco Vodka, Smirnoff Pine-apple Punch, amongst others.

With a very clear ambition – “To be one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in Nigeria”, Guinness Nigeria delivers on its sustainability and responsibility commitments which are focused on three areas: Promoting Positive Drinking, Championing Inclusion and Diversity and Pioneering Grain to Glass sustainability. The company continues to be a champion for responsible drinking and community development.

Nigerian fintech Traction Apps cuts jobs following OmniRetail acquisition 

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Nigerian fintech Traction Apps cuts jobs following OmniRetail acquisition 

Traction Founders: Dolapo Adejuyigbe and Mayowa Alli (L-R)

Traction Apps, a fintech startup, will lay off some employees following its recently announced acquisition by OmniRetail, the startup confirmed in a statement to Techpoint Africa noting that the decision was partially motivated by the acquisition.

 

“Following the acquisition of Traction Apps, as with all mergers and integrations, we are optimising certain departments to align with our broader vision. This restructuring is a strategic step to enhance efficiency and scalability across our value chain, ensuring that we remain well-positioned for long-term growth. Most of the senior team members who played a key role in the growth of Traction have been retained,” the statement read.

 

Traction Apps declined to share specifics on the number of affected employees or departments, but a source close to the matter revealed that the sales, engineering, and marketing teams were affected.

 

The startup added that some members of the Traction team have transitioned to roles within OmniRetail even as it continues exploring “further opportunities for others.”

 

Affected employees were reportedly informed of the decision about a week before the acquisition which saw co-founders Mayowa Alli and Dolapo Adejuyigbe join OmniRetail as Director of Technology for Payments and Director of Operations for Payments, respectively.

 

According to the startup, severance packages will be provided for affected employees in accordance with Nigerian labour laws, while it offers them career counselling and job placement services.

 

“With the acquisition of Traction Apps, we are strengthening our leadership capabilities to deliver best-in-class services across the retail value chain,” the statement read, clarifying that no members of Traction’s leadership team will be affected by the layoffs.

 

Both founders, ex McKinsey consultants, founded Traction Apps in 2020 following their experience working on financial inclusion initiatives at McKinsey. The startup built point-of-sale software, virtual accounts, inventory management, and invoicing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria.

 

It also provided PoS terminals, loans, and a customer management tool for businesses. A partnership with OmniRetail ultimately ended in an acquisition by the latter.

 

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Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed although OmniRetail Founder and CEO, Deepankar Rustagi disclosed that it was taking on both debt and equity from Traction Apps.

 

Legal battle may delay N102bn Lekki airport project

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Legal battle may delay N102bn Lekki airport project

The Lagos State Government’s move to build an airport to complement the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, may face legal resistance as an existing agreement with a terminal operator in the state forbids the construction of the airport, The PUNCH has learned.

 

The construction of the proposed new airport, if not repealed, will be in violation of an existing agreement between Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and the Federal Government.

 

On Friday, in a bid to commence the construction of the airport in the Lekki area of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu met with senior officials of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.

 

The details of this meeting were said to have been centred around how work can be expedited for the proposed airport construction.

 

Sources with knowledge about the meeting said the governor did not only appeal for the professional advice of the regulators but also appealed for the approval of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to commence the building of the airport.

 

This development received endorsement from industry experts, who stated that when completed the airport will reduce traffic on the popular Murtala Muhammed Airport.

 

In October 2022 the Federal Government approved the construction of the Lekki International Airport in the Lekki-Epe area of Lagos State with a promise to begin the construction in 2023.

 

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, presented the approval for the new airport to Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos Economic Summit 2022 in the state.

 

However, prior to April 7, 2007, when the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two, Lagos was commissioned, the Federal Government reached an agreement with the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, a private firm operating the terminal, not to construct another new airport terminal in the state once the concession agreement for MMA2 was still on course.

 

The Federal Government had signed a 36-year agreement with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited for the reconstruction of the once burnt Terminal under a design-build-operate-transfer arrangement.

 

However, the terminal operators have only operated the terminal for 17 years.

 

The Lagos State government under the Babatunde Fash¬ola’s administration mooted the idea of a new airport in 2009 under the Public Private Partnership scheme.

 

In 2011, as part of the com¬petitive tender process for the construction of the airport, the government, through its consultants, advertised a request for pre-qualification.

 

33 Nigerian and international firms indicated interest in participating in the ambitious project, but the project was delayed by opposition from landowners and difficulties in raising finance.

 

In 2011, a report by local newspapers, where the then Commissioner for Commerce and Industry was quoted, Adeniyi Oyemade, noted that about N102bn had been voted for the project.

 

But since Fashola left office in 2015, not much was heard of the project again until when San¬wo-Olu revived it with approval from the Federal Government.

 

Sanwo-Olu said that con¬struction on the new airport would be built alongside the Lekki–Epe Expressway and would be on 3,500 hectares of land in the area.

 

However, efforts to get Bi-Courtney to speak on the matter have been futile.

 

A senior staff member who spoke on the condition of anonymity in the company told our correspondent that the company had no response on the matter at the time of filing this report.

 

The Head of Corporate Communications of the company, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, said she cannot comment on the development.

 

“I cannot comment on that matter for now,” Olawuyi told our correspondent.

 

The Commissioner for Information in the State, Gbenga Omotoso, refused to comment on the development as he ignored both text messages of enquiry and calls from our correspondent.

 

Meanwhile, the Director of Research at Zenith Travel Limited, Olumide Ohunayo, said the state needs an additional airport.

 

“Lagos state is the biggest commercial city in Nigeria with a population of about 20 million and a high group in the middle class. You can be sure that a second airport is a necessity and of importance to further expand the economy of the state.”

 

The Managing Partner, TMSS Logistics, an aviation logistic consulting and service provider company, Nuhu Adam, said the announcement by the state government was a good development and a game changer for the state.

 

He said, “The announcement by the Lagos State Government is a good development and a game changer. The airport is being promoted within the concept of a free-trade zone. It is definitely going to be a game changer, given the strategic location of Lagos as an aviation hub in West Africa.

 

“However, the promoter should be mindful of the existing agreement between the current operator of a terminal and the Federal Government. I see this as an encumbrance if the legal hurdle is not properly ironed out.

 

“It won’t be in the interest of who-be investors, given the last experience of Virgin Nigeria Vs Federal Government on the issue of operation of domestic flights from international terminals.”

 

 

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