Barely minutes from the release of the country’s inflation figures by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced increase in access gate charge for vehicles by 100 per cent at the Abuja airport. While there may not be any direct connection between the increase and the inflation numbers, but the timing leaves everything to the imagination.
According to FAAN, for every time bus passes through the access gate (tollgate) it pays N400, a car or SUV will be charged N600 and trucks will part with N1, 000.
The reason according to FAAN spokesperson, Yakubu Dati was to enable the agency generate money for its operation and importantly reduce congestions at the airports. The agency does not receive federal allocation hence monies the agency make is used to sustain its services, pay staff and carry out its operations.
So where does that leave you as the passenger? You have to use the airport if you need to travel outside the country.
One of the observation made by FAAN while defending the increase, was that some families come to the airport in three different cars which they park at the airport, and while they have to be charged more in parking fees they also contribute to the congestion experienced at the airport.
But you can avoid this. If you fall among the families that must go to the airport in three cars perhaps the entire family have to see you off all the time you travel, it is time to have a financial rethink. The country is now in recession with 17.1 inflation rates. The FAAN increase is just a way to remind you to tighten your financial belt. The ride ahead could get bumpier.
Think about it where you used to pay N600 before for the three cars, you will now be expected to pay N1, 800. Calculate what that will mean if your flight is cancelled may be twice or thrice as is the case of recent.
For those with just one car and have need for the airport once in a while, it is time to think a new strategy. Why use your car when you can transfer the cost to other transport options? Ride-hailing services like Uber or ridesharing start-ups like GoMyWay can provide innovative ways of sharing the access gate cost. Another benefit they provide is saving you from haven to parking fees as well since they have to leave soon as they drop you off.
You may also take a taxi rather than drive yourself to the airport. Determine the cost of the taxi in advance because with the new access fees cabs going to the Abuja airport might decide to adjust their fares.
FRANK ELEANYA
