Strictly speaking, the dilemma was between honouring the agreement of a previous government to whom no allegiance was owed or giving in to the demands of the "influential" owners of the new terminal for reasons one can only speculate about :}. But you are probably not far from the truth although the truth in Nigeria is always complicated.

(Still trying to find out, btw, whether MMA2 can handle all LOS domestic traffic).

It seems that the opportunity for Nigeria to have a well run, successful and internationally branded carrier is being rejected. It would not be surprising if any investor, faced with ongoing losses and debilitating ongoing hassle came to the conclusion that their is neither profit nor fun to be had from running this venture. Why should investors or managers feel good about putting in the effort needed to stick with this venture.?If Monday mornings,- or the prospect of them from Sunday midday onwards feel like hell and Friday comes with eveyone in an exhausted heap because they have worked their guts out but theres is no chance of ultimate success ,it's simply not worth carying on. There has to be maximum Government backing and a sweeping away of any obstacles to success, whether this be for work permits or facilities at Lagos airport which should be the regional hub for west Africa. There has to be international transit without visa so transit passengers make connections easily and swiftly, full security of baggage, very simple international/domestic transfer indeally withing the same building, failing which via an airside high quality coach transfer or a shuttle train ,and nothing but pleasantness to passengers on the part of all the authorities and airline staff.
If the government do not return to the original promised helpful mode and honour agreements made by its predcessor ,anyone would advise the owners of VK to abandon or sell the venture as soon as they can and go elsewhere. The problem right now though is who would buy it?

The amusing thing is, that other potential international investors will be aware of what has happened to VK, and will most likely take their cash and business elsewhere (unless it is something specific that Nigeria has like oil) so the Nigerian Government has shafted the country well and truly in other areas too - however, I doubt that the Government officals themselves will be too bothered as they are sorted for life !!.

I think SRB should keep the airline going, but take his train set and play elsewhere, and re-name it Virgin Africa - base themselves in some other country that would appreciate it and expand throughout the African continent rather than just Nigeria.

:ok: