The House of Representatives on Tuesday differed from the resolution passed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the payment of tollgate fees at the nation’s airports.
Specifically, the House called for the exemption of the Armed Forces from the policy, considering their role in safeguarding the country.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on a Matter of urgent public importance titled: ‘Urgent need to waive tollgate fees in all Nigerian Airports, Seaports and Railway for Members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,’ sponsored by Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Francis Waive.
In his lead debate, Hon. Waive, who called for the House intervention, frowned at the announcement credited to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo on May 14, 2024, by online and print media that the Minister of Aviation, that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the cancellation of all exemptions on airport access payments for VIPs in Nigeria due to the huge revenue losses they cause to the Federal Government.
“The House also notes that the Minister of Aviation will implement the decision of the FEC by sending out circulars to relevant authorities in a matter of days.
“The House further notes 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.
“The House is aware that 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.
“The House is also aware that 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.
“The House is further aware that 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.
“The House is concerned that 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.
“The House is also concerned that their services though remunerated cannot be quantified especially when the risks to them and their dependents are considered, therefore we should not be hesitant to show them in our little way that we see them and we acknowledge their sacrifices.
“The House is worried that 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,” he noted.
To this end, the House directed the Minister of Aviation to mandate the relevant authorities to exempt Members of the Armed Forces from tollgate fees and parking payments in Airports, seaports and railways across Nigeria.
Hence, the House mandates its Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance with the directive in (1) above.