Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, has provided further clarification on its recent review of parking tariffs at the terminal’s Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP), attributing the decision to mounting operational pressures caused by congestion and the growing trend of long-term vehicle abandonment.
Management of BASL in a press statement explained that the tariff adjustment was carefully implemented as a corrective measure to restore efficiency within the car park system and prioritise access for genuine airport users, particularly passengers and business visitors.
According to the operator, the MSCP has increasingly deviated from its original purpose, as it is now being used by non-airport users as a general parking facility. This misuse has resulted in numerous vehicles being left unattended for extended durations – sometimes spanning several months or even years – thereby occupying valuable parking spaces meant for short-term use.
The statement highlighted that the consequences of this trend have been far-reaching. Passengers and visitors to the terminal frequently encounter difficulty securing parking, often spending excessive time – sometimes over half an hour – searching for available spaces. This, in turn, has led to missed flights, delays in terminal access, and heightened frustration among airport users.
In addition, the shortage of parking space has triggered traffic congestion around the terminal frontage. Drop-off and pick-up zones have become increasingly crowded, disrupting the smooth flow of vehicles and diminishing the overall travel experience at one of Nigeria’s busiest domestic terminals.
The management stressed that the MSCP was never designed to function as a long-term storage facility or garage but rather as a short-stay parking solution to support the dynamic needs of airport operations. It warned that continued abuse of the facility undermines its efficiency and deprives legitimate users of essential services.
Security concerns were also cited as a major factor behind the tariff review. The operator noted that vehicles left unattended for prolonged periods complicate surveillance and increase potential risks within the facility.
Maintaining effective monitoring and control over such vehicles, it added, imposes significant operational and financial burdens.
To address these challenges, the management disclosed that several abandoned vehicles have already been identified and relocated to a designated secure holding area. This intervention, it said, underscores the seriousness of the issue and the urgent need for improved parking discipline.
Despite the challenges, the operator reaffirmed its track record in maintaining high safety and security standards at the terminal, achieved through structured access control, continuous monitoring, and proactive operational management.
It emphasised that the revised parking tariff is not intended as a revenue-generating measure but as a strategic tool to discourage long-term parking, enhance space turnover, and restore order within the MSCP.
Reassuring stakeholders, the management reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly environment.
It appealed for the understanding and cooperation of travellers, visitors, and the general public, noting that the new tariff regime is essential to improving overall terminal functionality and service delivery.
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