Airport Parking Fees Soar: SUV Owners Now Pay N4,000 for First Hour at MMA2
By Aboki Forex —
Passengers and visitors at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) in Lagos are furious over a sharp increase in parking fees. The new rates, introduced in April by terminal operator Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, have left many struggling to cope amid Nigeria's economic hardship.
Under the new pricing, saloon car owners now pay N3,500 for the first hour and N2,500 for every additional hour. SUV owners are charged N4,000 for the first hour, with the same N2,500 rate applying afterwards. Buses with 18 seats or more attract a flat fee of N20,000, while overnight parking costs N50,000. Motorists who lose their parking tickets must pay a N25,000 penalty.
Many airport users said the increase has added unnecessary pressure on passengers and their relatives. Joe Agbo, a visitor, said he was shocked after being charged N4,000 for parking his SUV for less than 30 minutes while picking up a family member. He described the charges as excessive and unfair, especially at a time when Nigerians are already battling high transportation and flight costs.
Another visitor, Jide Babs, recounted paying N6,500 after waiting for over an hour due to a delayed flight and luggage retrieval. He criticised the airport management for imposing such high charges instead of adopting alternative measures against indiscriminate parking, such as towing or sanctioning offending drivers.
Despite the complaints, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services has said there are no plans to reduce the fees. The company’s spokesperson, Ajoke Olawoyin, explained that the adjustment was introduced to improve traffic management, parking space availability, security monitoring, and maintenance. She said the review reflects increasing operational costs and prevailing economic realities.
“The objective of the review was not revenue-driven. It was designed to address operational concerns, including traffic congestion within the terminal vicinity and the increasing cost of maintaining the facility and related services,” Olawoyin said. She added that management continues to monitor the impact across these areas.
According to her, the new pricing system has already helped reduce prolonged occupation of parking spaces while improving vehicle movement and overall organisation within the terminal environment.