ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a move that underscores the Nigerian government’s new fiscal policies under President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, has mandated the collection of tolls from all users of federal airports across Nigeria.
This directive, part of a series of decisions from the FEC’s recent meetings, includes even the highest offices of the land.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, announced the new toll policy following the FEC meetings held in Abuja this Monday, May 13, 2024, and Tuesday.
He emphasised the universal application of this fee: “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,” Onanuga stated.
The toll initiative is described as part of a broader strategy to “boost the economy, facilitate investments, and promote the ease of doing business in the country.”
This policy is seen as an attempt to generate additional revenue and manage the infrastructural costs associated with the upkeep of airport facilities.
In addition to the airport tolls, the FEC approved significant investment in aviation safety and operational capacity.
Onanuga disclosed that the council had greenlit the purchase, installation, and training for an aircraft recovery system at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, with a budget allocation of N4.2 billion.
A similar system was previously installed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in 2021.
These developments come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges and looking for innovative ways to enhance government revenues without overly burdening the common citizen.
The imposition of tolls at airport gates is part of a series of economic measures that have burdened the Nigerian people in the midst of economic hardships.
