A wave of concern has followed the recent hike in parking fees at the Multi-Storey Car Park of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 in Lagos, with critics describing the move as economically insensitive and burdensome on travellers.
The increase, which saw overnight parking charges rise from N6,000 to N50,000, has drawn criticism from stakeholders who argue that the new rate is unjustifiable amid rising living costs and economic hardship across the country.
The facility, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and managed by Balosh, has come under scrutiny over what observers describe as an arbitrary pricing decision that disproportionately affects middle-class Nigerians who rely on airport parking for short trips.
A public affairs analyst, Olutayo Irantiola, in a statement, questioned the rationale behind the increase, noting that many Lagos residents who live in distant suburbs often depend on parking at the airport as a cost-effective and secure option when travelling for a few days.
He highlighted that rising fuel prices, expensive airfares, and high transportation costs have already placed a strain on Nigerians, making the sudden hike in parking fees an additional burden.
Irantiola also raised concerns about the broader implications of the policy, suggesting that it could indirectly force travellers to rely on costly airport taxi services, while discouraging the use of private vehicles.
He further criticised what he described as aggressive revenue-generation tactics, noting that enforcement measures at the terminal appear to target private car users while overlooking commercial operators.
The development has also sparked calls for government intervention, with appeals directed to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, to review the policy and ease the burden on travellers.
Stakeholders are urging airport authorities to adopt a more flexible and transparent pricing structure, including possible concessions for verified travellers, to ensure that airport services remain accessible and fair.
The controversy underscores growing concerns over the cost of transportation and its impact on citizens, as Nigerians continue to grapple with inflation and economic pressures.
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