The Senate has begun scrutiny of a proposed N100.5bn reimbursement to the Yobe State Government for constructing the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu, giving its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts one month to report back.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred President Bola Tinubu’s request to the committee during plenary on Tuesday for examination under the Federal Government’s 70th Promissory Notes Programme.
In a letter read to lawmakers, Tinubu said the Bureau of Public Procurement had reviewed the airport project and recommended N100,509,017,234.55 as the amount to be reimbursed to the state.
The President is seeking the Senate’s approval for the Debt Management Office to establish and issue a Promissory Notes Programme to cover the proposed payment.
The reimbursement request follows the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the airport’s takeover and reimbursement at its second extraordinary meeting on May 23, 2023.
The proposed payment would enable the Federal Government to settle the cost incurred by the Yobe State Government in constructing the airport.
The Senate’s referral means the committee must examine the request and submit its findings within one month before the chamber considers whether to approve the proposed reimbursement.
The request remains subject to legislative scrutiny and approval.
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