President Bola Tinubu has submitted a formal request to the House of Representatives seeking approval for the refund of N24 billion to the governments of Nasarawa and Kebbi states.
The refund is intended to cover expenses incurred by the states for the construction of the airports within their respective territories which have been taken over by the federal government.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, President Tinubu outlined the need for concurrent approval from the federal government to facilitate the reimbursement process.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read the letter during Thursday’s plenary session, bringing the matter to the attention of the House.
The proposed refund includes over N15 billion for Kebbi State and N9 billion for Nasarawa State. Kebbi State utilized the funds for the construction of the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, while Nasarawa State allocated N9 billion for the development of the Lafia Cargo Airport.
President Tinubu emphasized the federal government’s constitutional responsibility for aviation-related matters, including airport operations and safety.
He cited the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to underscore the federal government’s jurisdiction over aviation activities.
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 have been taken over by the federal government.
“The House of Representatives is invited to note that at the Executive Council meeting of the Federal Executive Council FEC, which was held on the 23rd day of May 2023, it was approved as follows:
-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.
-That a promissory note in the sum of N15,137,336,95.88 only be issued to Kebbi State state government as refund for the takeover of Bernin Kebbi International Airport.
“The House of Representatives may wish to note that by the provisions of item three of the second schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, aviation, including airports, safety of aircraft, and carriage of passengers and goods by air, fall under the exclusive legislative list.
“The impact of this is that ownership, regulation, and control of airports in Nigeria are exclusive to the Federal Government.
“In light of the above, I urge the House of Representatives to consider and grant concurrent approval for the establishment of the promissory notes programme in favour of the Kebbi and Nasarawa state governments, respectively, as prescribed in paragraph two above.”
The request underscores the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in infrastructure development projects, particularly in critical sectors such as aviation.
By seeking approval for the refund, President Tinubu aims to ensure equitable resource allocation and support state-led initiatives to enhance transportation and economic growth.
The House of Representatives will deliberate on the president’s request and determine the appropriate course of action in line with constitutional provisions and national interests.
Stay tuned for further updates as this matter progresses through legislative channels.