Reps move to reverse airport access charge

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to reverse its decision to increase Access Gate Charge slated to commence on Saturday.

The house also mandated its Committee on Aviation to engage the management of FAAN for explanation on the purported increment in the face of current economic challenges in the country.

This followed a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Rep. Rotimi Agunsoye (APC-Lagos), which was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.

Moving the motion, Agunsoye explained that FAAN published notices in and around airports in Nigeria of its intention to increase the rates of “Access Gate Charge” on motorists seeking access into airports.

He said that FAAN proposed to increase the charges by N100, raising the fee by cars from N200 to N300 and buses, SUVs and Jeeps, up from N300 to N400, and trucks to pay N500.

Agunsoye expressed concern that the reason for the decision which was endorsed by the management of FAAN had not been convincingly communicated to the public.

According to him, the increment is coming at a time when the vast majority of Nigerians are groaning under the current challenges in the country.

He added that the house was determined to intervene and ensure that policies and resolutions that negatively affect citizens were modified.

The motion was unanimously supported and adopted.