SaharaReporters reported on Wednesday that the government mandated that all the users of federal airports across the country must start paying tolls at airport gates.
The House of Representatives has asked the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to exempt members of the Armed Forces from paying tolls at various airport facilities in the country.
The resolution was reached on Tuesday following a motion by Abdulsamad Dasuki during plenary.
SaharaReporters reported on Wednesday that the government mandated that all the users of federal airports across the country must start paying tolls at airport gates.
This was part of the approvals given by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the end of its meeting held in Abuja on Monday and Tuesday.
The Special Adviser, Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, who made this known in a list of approvals granted by FEC had said that no one, including the President and the Vice President was exempted from the federal airports gates.
Moving the motion, Dasuki said members of the Armed Forces should be honoured by not being made to pay tolls at the airports and major train stations.
“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,” he said.
The lawmaker explained that the government must be intentional in giving the Armed Forces privileges.
As a result, the House urged the Nigerian government to exempt members of the Armed Forces from tollgate fees and parking payments at airports, seaports and train stations across the country.
The lawmakers also directed relevant committees to ensure compliance.