President Tinubu’s Government Announces New Policy, Federal Airports Impose Toll-Charges (Full Details)

The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has announced that all users of federal airports across the country will now be required to pay tolls at airport gates….CONTINUE READING

This decision was part of the approvals granted by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the end of its meeting held in Abuja on Monday and Tuesday.

According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, no one, including the President and the Vice President, will be exempt from paying tolls at federal airport gates.

Onanuga disclosed that the FEC also approved the provision, installation, and training of disabled aircraft recovery system operators at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The contract for Murtala Muhammed Airport is estimated to cost N4.2 billion, with a similar contract having been awarded in 2021 for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

“After exhaustive deliberations, the council approved a number of policies and projects that will further boost the economy, facilitate investments, and promote the ease of doing business in the country,” Onanuga said.

He added, “FEC approved that all users of Federal airports all over the country must now pay tolls at the gates. No one is excluded. The President and Vice President of Nigeria will also pay the toll.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), explained that the approval was made following a memorandum he presented to the council. He highlighted that the government was losing over 82% of the revenue it should have earned from the e-tags that provide access to the tollgates.

Keyamo further stated that the memoranda had initially prescribed an exemption for only the president and the vice president, but President Tinubu overruled and directed that both of them should be included among those who must pay.

The minister expressed regret that wealthy Very Important Persons (VIPs), who should pay, have not been doing so. He emphasized that only poor people have been charged for using the tollgates, a situation that must be rectified.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr