President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will begin paying tollgate fees whenever they use airports in Nigeria, as part of a new policy announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN).
This decision, ratified by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), aims to eliminate exemptions previously granted to airport users.
The announcement came after a FEC meeting at the State House in Abuja. Keyamo revealed that this policy change follows his memorandum highlighting significant revenue losses due to the widespread use of e-tags that exempted VIPs from paying toll fees. The government reportedly lost over 82% of potential tollgate revenue.
“The initial memorandum prescribed exemptions only for the president and the vice president,” Keyamo explained. “However, President Tinubu overruled this, insisting that both he and Vice President Shettima should also be included among those who must pay.”
Keyamo criticized the current system where affluent Very Important Persons (VIPs), avoid paying toll fees, shifting the burden onto less privileged citizens.
He emphasized the need for equitable treatment, ensuring that everyone, regardless of status, contributes to the revenue.
FG Approves New Visa Process for Investors, Tourists
In a related development, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a tripartite committee to streamline visa procedures for investors and tourists.
This initiative, disclosed by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, aims to simplify the visa acquisition process, making it easier for international investors and tourists to visit Nigeria.
This decision was also made during the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling the administration’s commitment to improving the country’s business and tourism environments.
