By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Aviation to waive tollgate fees in all Nigerian airports, seaports and train stations for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
This was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance, by Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki, lawmaker representing Kebbe/Tambunwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto state, Brought Under Order 8 Rule 5 Of The Standing Orders Of The House Of Representatives on the urgent “Need To Waive Tollgate Fees In All Nigerian Airports For Members Of The Armed Forces Of Nigeria”, on Tuesday at plenary.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo on May 14, 2024 announced the cancellation of exemptions on all airports access payments for VIPs due to the huge revenue losses they cause to the Federal Government.
Debating the motion, Rep. Dasuki noted: “Men and women of the armed forces honour our nation with the highest form of service and without reservation; keeping us safe from harm, protecting our wealth and territorial integrity, ensuring safe navigation on our territorial waters, protecting our borders including the Gulf of Guinea, creeks, Sahara Desert and forests, and fighting armed bandits who invade our communities.
“It is important to show gratitude by honouring our brothers and sisters who are voluntarily serving under our flag, putting in their active years to keep our nation safe with some losing their lives, and some becoming disabled from the battlefield amidst other effects.
“Honouring these men and women in uniform, and also encouraging fellow citizens to acknowledge their service to the nation is the right step to take as a way to appreciate the immeasurable sacrifices they make”.
He further explained that the call for exemption of airport tollgate fees for the armed forces is on the premise that it is capable of inspiring young ones to enroll in the military to serve the nation.
“Honouring those who fight for our survival, will also inspire our youths to enrol in the military not as a means of escaping the web of unemployment, but as a valuable call to higher service to the nation.
“Members of the armed forces are subjected to paying for access to our airports where they are also expected to protect citizens and foreigners alike whether or not they are on duty and even while they are passengers themselves.
“Their services though remunerated cannot be quantified especially when the risks to them and their dependents are considered, we should not be hesitant to show them in our little way that we see them and we acknowledge their sacrifices.
“Unless we are intentional in showing our appreciation to them by extending privileges like the proposed exemption, our nation would appear to underrate their services and lack knowledge of the value that they bring”, Dasuki stated.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance.