Wale Babalakin, BASL Chairman, inducted into Nigerian Aviation Hall of Fame

Wale Babalakin, SAN, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited and the visionary behind Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has been inducted into the Nigerian Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHOF), in recognition of his pioneering contribution to private-sector participation and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Babalakin was among 18 distinguished Nigerians inducted into the Nigerian Aviation Hall of Fame for their contributions to the development of Nigerian aviation. His recognition highlights his pioneering role in demonstrating the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the sector, particularly through the development of MMA2, the first airport terminal in Africa developed by a private company under a Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) arrangement.

Commissioned in 2007, MMA2 stands as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and a practical demonstration of how private-sector vision, investment and innovation can support the development of critical national infrastructure. Under Babalakin’s vision, the project also demonstrated the potential for the PPP model to be replicated across Africa and extended beyond aviation to other sectors of the economy.

The induction took place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Golfview Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, during the second induction ceremony of NAHOF, themed “The Next Generation of Aviation Leaders: Talent, Technology, and Global Competitiveness.”

The ceremony brought together policymakers, aviation professionals, industry veterans and regulatory leaders. It was endorsed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and chaired by Akin Olateru, pioneer Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). The Minister was represented by

Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as Special Guest of Honour.

In 2025, BASL was recognised by Global Brands Magazine as the Most Innovative Airport Terminal Operator – Nigeria, in recognition of its contribution to innovation and service delivery in the aviation sector.

BASL also received recognition at the NIGAV Awards as Nigeria’s Best Domestic Terminal and for Most All-Inclusive Airport Terminal Achievement, further affirming MMA2’s position as a terminal that offers passengers more than conventional airport services.

More recently, BASL was recognised by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service as the Most Fire-Free Public Facility – Aviation at the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference 3.0. The recognition underscores the company’s sustained commitment to safety, emergency preparedness and the protection of passengers, staff and airport infrastructure.

These recognitions complement BASL’s continued investment in developing MMA2 as a modern aviation and commercial hub, with facilities and services spanning premium passenger services, lounges, retail and food outlets, parking facilities, cargo operations and the MMA2 Art Experience.

The NAHOF ceremony also provided an opportunity for BASL to deepen its commitment to preserving and celebrating 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, featuring the portraits and biographies of all Nigerian Aviation Hall of Fame inductees.

The montage now provides the millions of passengers and visitors who pass through MMA2 each year with an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the individuals whose vision, expertise and dedication have contributed to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry. Its permanent presence at the terminal ensures that the stories and contributions of these aviation leaders remain visible to a new generation of travelers and industry professionals.

Speaking on the partnership, Remi Jibodu, Ag. Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical Services at BASL, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to preserving the industry’s heritage while inspiring its 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.”

Speaking on the purpose of the Hall of Fame, Wole Shadare, Co-Convener of NAHOF and veteran aviation journalist, said the initiative was established to preserve the history of Nigerian aviation and recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.

Babalakin’s contribution to aviation forms part of a broader record of professional and national service spanning 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 served in several significant professional and public capacities, including as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Maiduguri and the University of Lagos.

He also served on the National Political Reform Conference convened in 2005, where he was a member of the Legal Reforms Committee and led the Constitution Drafting Sub-Committee.

His induction into the Nigerian Aviation Hall of Fame therefore adds to a distinguished record of contribution to Nigeria’s development across the private and public sectors.

For BASL, the recognition and the partnership with NAHOF is more than a preservation of historical achievements but to reinforce the company’s commitment to innovation, excellence and safety

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