Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval For N100.5bn Yobe Airport Reimbursement

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a N100.5bn promissory note programme to reimburse the Yobe State Government for constructing the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu.

The President made the request in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, seeking legislative approval for the issuance of the promissory note through the Debt Management Office.

Tinubu explained that the Federal Executive Council, at its second extraordinary meeting held on May 23, 2023, approved the Federal Government’s takeover of the airport project and the reimbursement of the state government for the cost of construction through a promissory note programme.

According to the President, the Bureau of Public Procurement had completed its review of the project and recommended N100,509,017,234.55 as the amount payable to Yobe State.

“In the light of the foregoing, I urge the Senate to consider and approve the establishment and issuance by the Debt Management Office of a promissory note programme in the sum of N100,509,017,234.55,” the President stated in the letter.

He also urged the lawmakers to expedite consideration of the request to facilitate the reimbursement process.

The request was subsequently referred to the relevant Senate committee for further legislative consideration.

The proposed payment is part of the Federal Government’s plan to compensate Yobe State for financing the construction of the airport, following the approval to take over the project.

If approved by the Senate, the promissory note programme will provide the framework for settling the amount recommended for reimbursement to the state government.

The Senate’s consideration of the request is expected to determine the next stage of the proposed payment to Yobe State.