Reps seek airport toll waiver for armed forces members

The house of representatives has asked the federal government, through the ministry of aviation to waive tolls at airports, bus stops, seaports, and train stations for members of the nation’s armed forces.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution during the plenary session on Tuesday after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance.

The motion was sponsored by Abdussammad Dasuki, a lawmaker representing the Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency of Sokoto state.

While moving the motion, Dasuki said it is “important to show gratitude” by honouring Nigerians who voluntarily serve the country to keep it 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,” the lawmaker added.

“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.

“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.

“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 motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

The house also asked the government to exempt members of the armed forces from parking payments at airports, train stations, and seaports.

Previously, the federal government exempted only the president and vice-president from paying tolls at the airport.

However, on May 14, Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation, announced that the president and vice-president would be paying the required toll whenever they use the gates at airports.

Keyamo said Bola Tinubu overruled the practice at a federal executive council meeting (FEC), insisting that no one should be exempted.