The House of Representatives on Thursday, approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for the reimbursement of approximately N24 billion to the Kebbi and Nasarawa state governments for the construction of two airports that have since been taken over by the Federal Government.
According to The PUNCH, the refund request was first made by the President in a letter dated May 16, 2024, addressed to the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
In the letter, President Tinubu sought legislative approval for the reimbursement of N15 billion to Kebbi State and N9 billion to Nasarawa State, which were expended on the construction of the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi and the Lafia Cargo Airport in Nasarawa, respectively.
The President’s letter outlined the Federal Executive Council’s decision from its meeting held on May 23, 2023. In that meeting, the FEC approved the establishment of a promissory note programme to facilitate the reimbursement to the two states.
The letter read, “Establishment of a promissory note programme in favour of the Kebbi and Nasarawa State governments for the reimbursement of the respective costs of the construction of newly-built airports in those states that had been taken over by the Federal Government.”
It further specified, “That a promissory note in the sum of N9,000,542,651,786.11 be issued to the Nasarawa State Government as a refund for the takeover of the newly constructed Nasarawa Airport.”
Additionally, “That a promissory note in the sum of N15,137,336,95.88 only be issued to Kebbi State Government as a refund for the takeover of the Birnin Kebbi International Airport.”
During Thursday’s session, the House entered a Committee of Supply to deliberate on the report submitted by Abubakar Nalaraba, Chairman of the Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debts Management, regarding the request. Following the committee’s review, the House gave its approval.
Under the approved refund, Kebbi State is set to receive a total sum of N15.14 billion, while Nasarawa State will be refunded N9.54 billion.
These amounts reflect the claims made by the two states for the costs incurred in building the airports.
The airports, which were initially financed by the state governments, have now been incorporated into federal infrastructure, thus necessitating the federal refunds to compensate the states for their investments.
