Setting the record straight on MMA2 parking tariff review
Sir: The recent article titled “Economic Insensitivity: “The Arbitrary Spike in the Parking Rate at MMA2” presents a narrative that, while emotive, does not accurately reflect the operational realities that
Sir: The recent article titled “Economic Insensitivity: “The Arbitrary Spike in the Parking Rate at MMA2” presents a narrative that, while emotive, does not accurately reflect the operational realities that informed the decision to review the parking tariff at the Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.
It is important to state from the outset that the adjustment was neither arbitrary nor revenue driven. Rather, it was a necessary and carefully considered operational response to a growing challenge that, if left unaddressed, would continue to undermine access, efficiency, and safety within the terminal environment.
For some time, the MSCP has experienced increasing congestion due to vehicles being left for extended periods, often for days or even weeks, by travellers. This practice significantly reduces space availability for legitimate users who require short-term parking for drop-off, pick-up, and immediate terminal use. In effect, a facility originally designed for high turnover and convenience was gradually being converted into a long-term storage space, to the detriment of the majority of passengers.
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The implication of this situation is not merely inconvenience. It introduces operational inefficiencies, limits accessibility for genuine passengers, and heightens security concerns associated with unattended vehicles within a sensitive airport environment. Left unchecked, this trend would continue to erode the quality of service and operational order that passengers expect from a modern airport terminal.
Maintaining the high level of surveillance, monitoring, and safety oversight that MMA2 is known for, an operational record that has not been surpassed in the country, comes at a cost. This responsibility becomes even more demanding when vehicles are left for prolonged periods without corresponding usage, requiring continuous monitoring, increased security vigilance, and additional operational resources.
The question posed in the article, why genuine airport users should be priced out of parking due to misuse by others, is understandable but ultimately misdirected. The revised tariff is not designed to exclude genuine users; rather, it is specifically structured to discourage prolonged parking and restore the facility to its intended purpose. By doing so, it protects genuine users by improving space turnover, ensuring availability, and enabling easier access to parking when it is needed most.
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It is also important to situate this decision within a broader global context. Across major airports worldwide, parking facilities are deliberately structured and priced to encourage short-term use and discourage long-term occupancy. Pricing, in this regard, is not merely a revenue tool but a widely accepted mechanism for managing behaviour, optimizing limited space, and maintaining order within high-traffic environments. MMA2 is not an exception in applying this principle.
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That said, management acknowledges the concerns raised by members of the public and understands the broader economic realities within which passengers operate. We recognize that any adjustment in pricing, particularly in the current climate, will naturally attract scrutiny and concern. However, operational sustainability, safety, and service quality must remain paramount. The decision reflects a necessary balance between these priorities and the responsibility to maintain a functional, secure, and accessible terminal environment for all users.
We will continue to engage stakeholders, listen to feedback, and communicate transparently as we implement measures that support this objective and ensure that the terminal continues to serve the needs of the travelling public effectively.
•Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, MMA2,Ikeja.
