Following the federal government’s announcement of the cancellation of all exemptions on airport tollgate fees for VIPs, the House of Representatives on Tuesday called for a waiver for military personnel regarding the payment of these fees.
The lawmakers stressed the importance of showing gratitude to members of the Armed Forces for their diligent service to the country, with some sacrificing their lives in the line of duty.
The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki (APC-Sokoto) at plenary.
Dasuki stated that honouring military personnel would recognise their significant service to the nation, adding that it would also inspire youths to join the military not merely for employment but as a noble calling to serve 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,” he said.
He said their services though remunerated could be quantified especially when the risks to them and their dependents were 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.”
The house adopted the motion and directed the Minister of Aviation to mandate the relevant authorities to exempt members of the Armed Forces from tollgate fees as well as payment of parking fees in Airports across Nigeria.
