Human rights activist and community leader, Chief (Comrade) Austine Ikubese has lent his voice to the stratospheric 150 per cent hike in parking fees at the Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), describing the increase as ill-timed and irritating.
Ikubese in a chat with some newsmen in Lagos on Monday amidst growing criticisms used the opportunity to appeal to authorities to rescind their decision and revert to former fees. He maintained that the socio-economic hardship the citizenry are currently faced with was enough reason for the government to review the fees downward.
Recall in April 2026, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, the company which manages the terminal, took the tariff to an all time high fees that have attracted sharp criticisms from the public.
Saloon cars now pay N3,500 for the first 60 minutes and N2,500 for the subsequent hour while Sports Utility Vehicles pay N4,000 for the first 60 minutes and N2,500 for the subsequent hours. For 18-seater buses and above, the flat rate is N20,000, while overnight parking costs N50,000 and anyone who loses his or her ticket will pay a penalty fee of N25,000.
Despite growing complaints and calls for a review, the facility operator, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, has insisted there are no plans to reduce the current tariff structure.
Reacting further, Ikubese said since the increase came into effect in April , “Travelers and motorists in Lagos recently protested a massive, 150%+ hike in parking tariffs at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2). Commuters appealed to the airport’s operators and authorities to reverse the charges, but management has defended the increase, stating the exorbitant rates are meant to prevent long-term parking abuse by recalcitrant vehicle owners, without sounding immodest I think such an excuse isn’t tenable at all”
“Personally I have tremendous respect for Nigeria’s Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Barrister Festus Keyamo, he is an iconic figure who loves to promote policies that are people’s friendly in nature and pro-masses. I have communicated with him privately on this matter and I am convinced he can use his good offices as industry regulator to prevail on Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, or advising their management to revert accordingly in the best interest of the citizenry especially at a time like this when economic crunch is biting harder.
“As a rights activist himself, he is known to be passionate about the concerns of the vulnerable segments of the society, therefore he will do the needful by renewing the hope of the masses in this regard. I strongly believe in him as a good friend for years and as human rights activist, he has been a voice to the voiceless in Nigeria, he can call the management of MM2 Private Terminal to order, compelling them to be reasonable and socially responsible by discontinuing with the outrageous fees in the interest of the public and the country.
“I must also add that I sincerely appreciate Mr. Minister’s prompt responses each time I present issues of public interest to him, this shows the value he attach to his friends and his humility even as the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, this I do not take for granted,” Ikubese said.
