Bi-Courtney Addresses MMA2 Parking Hike
A wave of public frustration has greeted the recent spike in parking fees at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, but its operator, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, insists the controversial move is less about profit and more about restoring order to a system under pressure.
The tariff increase, said to exceed 150 per cent in some categories, has drawn criticism from travellers who view it as excessive. Yet, the company argues that the decision was unavoidable, pointing to a growing misuse of the terminal’s multi-level car park.
According to Bi-Courtney, what was designed as a short-stay facility for quick drop-offs and pick-ups has gradually morphed into a long-term parking hub. Vehicles, the company revealed, are often abandoned for extended periods—sometimes stretching into months, effectively choking available space and disrupting the flow of legitimate users.
The consequences have been far-reaching. Passengers now face long, frustrating searches for parking spots, with some reportedly spending over 30 minutes navigating the facility, delays that have, in some cases, led to missed flights and mounting congestion around the terminal.
But beyond the inconvenience lies a deeper concern: security. The operator warns that unattended vehicles complicate surveillance operations and heighten safety risks, forcing tighter monitoring and increased operational costs to maintain secure standards.
In response, the revised pricing structure is designed to push back against long-term parking habits. With new rates placing the first-hour fee for saloon cars at ₦3,500 and SUVs at ₦4,000, alongside steeper charges for extended stays, the aim is to encourage faster turnover and reclaim the facility for its intended use.
Despite the backlash, Bi-Courtney maintains that the hike is a calculated intervention to decongest the terminal, enhance safety, and improve overall efficiency.
Still, the debate rages on—pitting the realities of airport operations against the everyday concerns of passengers navigating one of Nigeria’s busiest domestic travel hubs.
