Rita Odafe
The House of Representatives has officially sanctioned a request from President Bola Tinubu for a reimbursement of approximately N24 billion to the governments of Kebbi and Nasarawa states, related to the federal takeover of two state-built airports.
Back on May 16, 2024, President Tinubu sent a letter to House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, asking for refunds of N15 billion for Kebbi State and N9 billion for Nasarawa State to cover expenses for their respective airports’ construction.
Kebbi incurred these costs while constructing the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, its capital, whereas Nasarawa invested N9 billion into building the Lafia Cargo Airport.
The communication highlighted the intention to establish a promissory note program to reimburse the state governments for the expenses linked to the recently constructed airports, which have now been assumed by the federal government.
It was noted during a Federal Executive Council meeting on May 23, 2023, that:
“A promissory note amounting to N9,000,542,651,786.11 will be issued to the Nasarawa State Government for refunding the takeover costs of the newly constructed Lafia Cargo Airport.”
Additionally, “A promissory note of N15,137,336,95.88 will be issued to the Kebbi State Government as a reimbursement for the Birnin Kebbi International Airport takeover.”
On Thursday, the House convened as a Committee of Supply during which they reviewed and subsequently approved the reimbursement request as presented by Abubakar Nalaraba, the Chairman of the Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debts Management.
Ultimately, Kebbi State will receive N15.14 billion, while Nasarawa State will obtain N9.54 billion, corresponding to claims submitted from both states.
