Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited and the force behind Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has been inducted into the Nigerian Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHOF) for his contribution to private-sector investment and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Babalakin joined 18 distinguished Nigerians inducted into the Nigerian Aviation Hall of Fame for their contributions to Nigerian aviation. The honour recognises his role in showing how Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can support aviation infrastructure.
MMA2, commissioned in 2007, became the first airport terminal in Africa developed by a private company under a Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) arrangement.
The project also showed how private investment and innovation can support critical national infrastructure.
The project demonstrated how the PPP model could expand across Africa and beyond aviation into other sectors of the economy.
The induction took place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Golfview Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The second NAHOF induction ceremony carried the theme, “The Next Generation of Aviation Leaders: Talent, Technology, and Global Competitiveness.”
The event brought together policymakers, aviation professionals, industry veterans and regulatory leaders. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, endorsed the ceremony, which Akin Olateru, pioneer Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), chaired.
Keyamo was represented by Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as Special Guest of Honour.
In 2025, Global Brands Magazine named BASL the Most Innovative Airport Terminal Operator – Nigeria for its contribution to innovation and service delivery.
BASL also received NIGAV Awards recognition as Nigeria’s Best Domestic Terminal and for Most All-Inclusive Airport Terminal Achievement. The awards further recognised MMA2’s wider passenger services beyond conventional airport operations.
More recently, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service named BASL the Most Fire-Free Public Facility – Aviation at the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference 3.0. The award reflects BASL’s focus on safety, emergency readiness and protection of passengers, staff and airport infrastructure.
BASL has continued to develop MMA2 as a modern aviation and commercial hub. Its facilities include premium passenger services, lounges, retail and food outlets, parking facilities, cargo operations and the MMA2 Art Experience.
The NAHOF ceremony also allowed BASL to strengthen its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s aviation heritage through a new partnership with the Hall of Fame.
As part of the partnership, NAHOF unveiled a permanent visual montage at MMA2. The display features portraits and biographies of all Nigerian Aviation Hall of Fame inductees.
The montage gives millions of passengers and visitors who pass through MMA2 each year an opportunity to learn about aviation leaders who helped develop Nigeria’s industry. Its permanent location will keep their contributions visible to a new generation of travellers and aviation professionals.
Speaking on the partnership, Ag. Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical Services at BASL, Remi Jibodu, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to preserving aviation heritage while inspiring the future.
“MMA2 has always stood for looking ahead, but you cannot look ahead meaningfully without also honouring those who laid the foundation. Hosting this montage means every traveller who passes through our terminal will be reminded of the men and women whose work made modern Nigerian aviation possible. It is a responsibility we are proud to carry.”
Co-Convener of NAHOF and veteran aviation journalist, Wole Shadare, said the Hall of Fame seeks to preserve Nigerian aviation history and recognise people who have made major contributions to the industry.
Babalakin’s aviation record forms part of a wider career in law, infrastructure development, government and education.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), he has held several professional and public positions. These include Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Maiduguri and the University of Lagos.
He also served at the National Political Reform Conference convened in 2005. He was a member of the Legal Reforms Committee and led the Constitution Drafting Sub-Committee.
His NAHOF induction adds to his record of service and contribution to Nigeria’s development across the private and public sectors.
For BASL, the recognition and partnership with NAHOF go beyond preserving past achievements. They reinforce the company’s commitment to innovation, excellence and safetyThe permanent montage, located in the Art Gallery area of MMA2, provides a lasting platform for preserving and showcasing Nigeria’s aviation heritage. Its location also gives passengers, visitors and aviation stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the pioneers who helped shape the industry.
External sources
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)
Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development
