By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
THE FEDERAL Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Tinubu, has taken a decisive step regarding tollgate fees at the nation’s airports.
In a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, it was unanimously agreed that there will be no more exemptions for high-ranking officials, including the president and vice president, when utilizing airport facilities.
The proposal to end the exemption was presented to the council by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo. He underscored the significant revenue losses suffered by the government due to the exemption policy, estimating the loss at over 82% of potential earnings from tollgate fees.
Initially, the memorandum had suggested an exemption solely for the president and vice president. However, Tinubu intervened and directed that both he and Shettima be included among those required to pay tollgate fees.
Speaking at the post-FEC media briefing, Minister Keyamo expressed regret over the previous exemption policy, highlighting that it primarily benefitted wealthy individuals who had been evading payment.
He emphasized the inequity of the situation, noting that only individuals from lower economic strata had been subjected to tollgate fees.
This decision marks a significant shift in policy regarding tollgate fees at airports, signaling a commitment to fairness and equity in revenue collection.
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