Emmanuel Ochayi
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will now pay airport access tolls and parking fees, just like every other citizen.
This decision was made after the Federal Executive Council, chaired by Tinubu, approved a memorandum from the Ministry of Aviation to scrap toll exemptions for all Very Important Persons (VIPs) and government officials using the airports.
According to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the government has been losing a significant amount of revenue due to VIPs evading payment. “They don’t pay the access fees. They don’t pay for parking, they don’t pay for essential services at airports, and they are VIPs,” Keyamo said. He emphasized that this practice will no longer continue, stating, “Not under my watch. It will not happen.”
Keyamo revealed that the initial memorandum had recommended an exemption for the President and Vice President, but Tinubu overruled it, insisting that he and the VP, along with their aides, must pay tolls.
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“Our memo says ‘with the exception of the President and the Vice President’. But the President overruled me and said he and the Vice President will pay, he said everybody will pay,” Keyamo explained.
This move is expected to generate N10 billion annually in revenue for the government. Additionally, the Minister announced plans to install more cameras at strategic positions to capture and prevent episodes of uniformed officers harassing airport staff at the gates.
Tinubu’s decision to lead by example and pay airport tolls demonstrates his commitment to fairness and accountability, and sets a positive tone for his administration.
