Tinubu writes Senate, seeks N100.5bn refund for Yobe on Damaturu Airport project

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to approve a N100.5 billion promissory note programme aimed at reimbursing the Yobe State Government for the construction of the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu. The President addressed a letter to the President of the Senate, seeking legislative support for the Debt Management Office (DMO) to create and issue the promissory note programme.

The exact amount demanded is N100,509,017,234.55. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had previously approved the Federal Government's acquisition of the airport and the subsequent reimbursement of project costs during its second extraordinary meeting on May 23, 2023. Furthermore, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) reviewed the project and green-lit the recommended amount.

In response to these developments, the President has urged the Senate to consider and approve the establishment and issuance of a promissory note programme amounting to N100,509,017,234.55. After the President's letter was read in the Senate, the chamber referred the request to its pertinent committee for additional legislative examination.

The final decision in the legislative process will dictate the implementation schedule for fulfilling the financial obligation to Yobe State.