By Milcah Tanimu
The House of Representatives has instructed the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to ensure that military personnel are exempt from tollgate fees and parking charges at airports across Nigeria. This directive followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance proposed by Representative Abdussamad Dasuki during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Dasuki argued that members of the Armed Forces should not be required to pay airport access fees given their crucial role in safeguarding the nation and its citizens. He highlighted the Minister of Aviation’s May 14 announcement regarding the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision to revoke all exemptions for VIPs at airports due to significant revenue shortfalls for the federal government. The minister had indicated that circulars would soon be issued to implement this resolution.
In presenting his motion, Dasuki emphasized the importance of honoring and showing gratitude to military personnel for their sacrifices, including loss of life and injuries, to ensure national security. He stated, “It is important to show gratitude by honoring 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 adopted the motion and instructed its Committee on Aviation to oversee adherence to the directive, ensuring that the relevant authorities implement the exemption for military personnel.