Human rights activist and community leader, Chief (Comrade) Austine Ikubese, has strongly criticized the 150 per cent increase in parking fees at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), describing the hike as “ill-timed and irritating.”
Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Monday, amidst mounting public outrage, Ikubese appealed to authorities to rescind the decision and revert to the former rates. He stressed that the prevailing socio-economic hardship facing Nigerians makes the new tariff structure unjustifiable.
In April 2026, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operators of MMA2, raised parking charges to unprecedented levels, sparking widespread condemnation. Under the new regime, saloon cars pay ₦3,500 for the first hour and ₦2,500 for each subsequent hour; SUVs pay ₦4,000 for the first hour and ₦2,500 thereafter; 18-seater buses and above are charged a flat rate of ₦20,000; overnight parking costs ₦50,000; and lost tickets attract a penalty of ₦25,000.
Despite growing complaints, Bi-Courtney has insisted there are no plans to reduce the tariffs, claiming the rates are intended to discourage long-term parking abuse.
Ikubese rejected this justification, saying: “Travelers and motorists in Lagos recently protested this massive hike. The excuse that the charges are meant to prevent long-term parking abuse is not tenable at all.”
He expressed confidence in the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Barrister Festus Keyamo, describing him as “an iconic figure who promotes people-friendly policies.” Ikubese revealed he has privately communicated with the Minister on the matter and believes Keyamo can prevail on Bi-Courtney to reverse the hike in the interest of the public.
“As a rights activist himself, the Minister is passionate about the concerns of vulnerable Nigerians. I trust he will act to restore hope and compel MMA2 management to be socially responsible by discontinuing these outrageous fees,” Ikubese stated.
He further commended Keyamo’s responsiveness to issues of public interest, noting: “I sincerely appreciate Mr. Minister’s prompt responses each time I raise matters of concern. His humility and commitment to the masses, despite his high office, are qualities I deeply value.”
