President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima will now be required to pay airport access toll and parking fees like every other Nigerian citizen. This decision was made during a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Tinubu, where a memorandum from the Ministry of Aviation was approved to scrap toll exemptions for VIPs and government officials.
The announcement was made by Minister Festus Keyamo after the meeting, where he revealed that the government has been losing out on a significant amount of revenue due to exemptions for VIPs. He explained that the memoranda initially recommended an exemption for the President and Vice President, but President Tinubu overruled the recommendation, insisting that he and the VP must pay tolls.
This decision marks a significant step towards ensuring fairness and accountability in the use of airport facilities. Minister Keyamo highlighted that VIPs who can afford to pay tolls have been evading payment, shifting the burden onto the less fortunate. By requiring President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima to pay tolls, the government is setting a new standard for airport access fees.
This move has sparked a debate on social media, with some praising the President for leading by example and others questioning the impact of this decision on VIP privileges. Nevertheless, it is clear that the government is taking steps to improve revenue collection and ensure equal treatment for all airport users.
