The Federal Government has lost a significant amount of revenue due to exemptions from airport tolls, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Keyamo revealed that the government lost 82% of its revenue from airport tolls, equivalent to N10 billion, under the old rules. This was due to the ministry’s policy of giving out complimentary e-tags to VIPs, which accounted for 82% of the total e-tags printed.

Keyamo expressed his frustration with the situation, stating that it was unfair for VIPs to expect free services while others paid for them. He noted that the ministry was struggling to maintain airport infrastructure due to the loss of revenue. The minister also gave an example of a particular airport gate that was supposed to generate N260 million per month but only generated N100 million due to exemptions.

To address this issue, the Federal Executive Council has decided that the president, vice president, and other top government officials will start paying access fees or e-tags at all 24 federal airports across the country. This decision aims to end the loss of revenue and improve airport infrastructure.