In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are now obligated to pay tollgate fees whenever they utilize airports in Nigeria.

Tinubu, VP Shettima to pay tollgate fees at airports

This decision stems from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approving the cessation of exemptions previously granted to airport users from tollgate fees.

The approval came following a presentation by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, highlighting the substantial revenue loss—over 82%—due to the non-collection of tollgate fees facilitated by e-tags.

Keyamo emphasized during the post-FEC media briefing that the initial proposal had suggested exemptions solely for the president and vice president. However, Tinubu intervened, asserting that both he and the vice president should be subject to the tollgate fees.

Expressing regret, Keyamo pointed out that affluent individuals, notably Very Important Persons (VIPs), who should rightfully pay, have been evading these fees.

He emphasized that it is predominantly the economically disadvantaged who have been bearing the burden of tollgate charges, a practice that urgently needs rectification.

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