THE Senate on Tuesday, October 29, approved over N24 billion as a promissory note refund to the Kebbi and Nasarawa state governments for construction works on the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin-Kebbi, and the Lafia Cargo Airport, respectively.
The federal government assumed control and ownership of the two airports, necessitating a reimbursement to the respective state governments.
Kebbi state government is to get a refund of N15,137,336,095.88 while Nasarawa State is to be paid N9,542,651,786.11.
The resolution of the senate followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the senate committee on Local and Foreign Debts titled: “Promissory note programme for the refund to Kebbi State and Nasarawa State Government on the newly constructed airport projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government” during plenary.
The report was presented on behalf of the chairman of the committee, Aliyu Wamakko by Haruna Manu, the vice chairman of the panel.
The committee stated in its observations and findings that the Kebbi and Nasarawa state governments duly completed all the projects for which they are seeking a refund.
It said that the Airports were constructed in line with the contract specification and would stand the test of time.
It revealed that a series of inspection visits were carried out by the federal ministry of Aviation on the two Airports completed by the States and “ascertained that the quality of work done met the required standard.”
It said that the state governments have paid all the contractors that executed the projects.
It added, “The proposed amount due for reimbursement to Kebbi State Government as reviewed by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is N15,137,336,095.88, for Construction of Sir, Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, project by the Kebbi State Government.
“And the sum of N9,542,651,786.11 be reimbursed to Nasarawa State Government for the construction of Lafia Cargo Airport.
“That the Federal Bureau of Public Procurement has ascertained and certified that due process was followed accordingly.”
The Committee recommended that the Senate approve the Promissory Note Programme to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of the Kebbi State Government in the sum of N15,137,336,095.88.
Also, the sum of N9,542,651,786.11 is reimbursed to the Nasarawa state government for the construction of Lafia Cargo Airport.
It urged the federal government to prioritise the “settlement of incurred debts through the issuance of Promissory Notes for the settlement of outstanding reimbursement debts to States, Judgement Debts and other debt liabilities incurred by the federal ministries, department, and agencies (MDA’s) to avoid further cost and liabilities to the Federal Government.”
Senators approved the recommendations of the committee when they were put to voice vote by deputy senate president, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.
Harrison Edeh is a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, always determined to drive advocacy for good governance through holding public officials and businesses accountable.