The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for the refund of approximately N24 billion to the Kebbi and Nasarawa state governments for the federal takeover of two state-built airports.
In a letter dated May 16, 2024, addressed to House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, President Tinubu sought legislative approval to refund N15 billion to Kebbi State and N9 billion to Nasarawa State.
The funds were used for the construction of the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi and the Lafia Cargo Airport in Nasarawa, respectively.
The letter highlighted the decision of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), taken on May 23, 2023, to issue promissory notes to both states.
Specifically, a promissory note of N9.54 billion was approved for Nasarawa State to cover the cost of the Lafia Cargo Airport, while Kebbi State was to receive N15.14 billion for the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport.
On Thursday, the House dissolved into a Committee of Supply to consider the report submitted by Abubakar Nalaraba, Chairman of the Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management.
The House granted approval for the refund based on the claims made by both states, with Kebbi receiving N15.14 billion and Nasarawa receiving N9.54 billion.
