The Nasarawa State Government has received a refund of N9.75 billion from the Federal Government following the takeover of the former Lafia Cargo Airport.
Governor Abdullahi Sule announced this development during a special meeting with selected stakeholders from across the state, held at the Government House, Lafia, on Monday.
According to Governor Sule, after the Federal Government assumed control of the airport-renamed Usman Dan Fodio Airport in 2022-his administration persistently pursued a refund totalling N9.75 billion. He convened the meeting to express gratitude to stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly and traditional rulers, who played pivotal roles in securing the reimbursement.
The Governor added that the meeting would also provide participants with the opportunity to deliberate on the best use of the funds received.
While thanking stakeholders for attending the meeting, particularly on a Monday, he outlined three agenda items, emphasising the importance of collective decision-making for the state.
“The first item concerns the Lafia Cargo Airport, now named Usman Dan Fodio Airport by the Federal Government of Nigeria. I would like to begin by expressing my deep appreciation to His Excellency, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, for initiating the construction of this airport, which has significantly enhanced the state’s investment prospects.
“If you recall, we completed the airport and invited the former president to commission it in 2022. From the outset, we also discussed the possibility of transferring the airport to the Federal Government for optimal utilisation.
“I must take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Finance, our Revenue Chairman, the former Accountant General, and especially our National Assembly members-Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, as well as the member representing Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency-for their significant contributions to this achievement,” he stated.
Governor Sule revealed that the state government had initially sought the refund to finance the completion of the Kwandere-Sabon Gida Road, another project initiated by former Governor Al-Makura.
“The motivation for requesting the refund was to use the funds to complete the road between Kwandere and Sabongida. The amount we sought-approximately N9.75 billion-was precisely what was needed to finish the road, which was also initiated by Senator Al-Makura.
“Unfortunately, we did not receive the funds until last week, when the Federal Government finally released the N9.75 billion.
“It took considerable effort to secure this refund, and I must commend all our leaders-from the National Assembly to the ministries and revenue service, as well as our elders who provided invaluable counsel. We shall further discuss the details of the refund and collectively determine the best course of action,” he added.
Governor Sule also announced the completion of the over N16 billion Lafia Flyover and Underpass, projects conceived and commenced by his administration.
He noted that, although minor works remain, the projects are now ready for use.
“The underpass and flyover in Lafia were technically completed yesterday. By ‘technically’, I mean they are ready and can be used immediately,” he said.
The Governor informed stakeholders that he had invited them to join him in making history by collectively opening the road for public use.
He explained that, ahead of the official commissioning of the project by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, it was necessary to open the road to traffic for a trial period.
“We want to open the road so it can be used extensively before the official commissioning. This will allow us to identify and address any issues, such as cracks, over the next two or three weeks. We are hopeful that Mr President will be present in June to commission it,” he concluded.
(PUNCH).
