The Nigerian Senate has approved a proposal from President Bola Tinubu to reimburse two states, Kebbi and Nasarawa, a total of N24 billion for their involvement in airport construction projects that they carried out on behalf of the federal government. This decision, made on Tuesday, followed a report from the Senate’s Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
According to the report, the President had requested N15 billion for Kebbi State and N9 billion for Nasarawa State. These amounts are intended to reimburse the states for the funds they had spent on airport projects that are part of a broader federal initiative to enhance the country’s aviation infrastructure. In his request, President Tinubu pointed out that the federal government oversees aviation matters in Nigeria, including airport management and the safety of aircraft and passengers, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution.
The Senate considered the report, which was presented by Senator Manu Haruna, the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, before moving to approve the proposed reimbursement. The approval process was smooth, with no senator objecting to the request. Senator Aminu Abbas from Adamawa Central moved that the Senate adopt the report, emphasizing the importance of airports for the development and security of the country.
Senator Abbas noted that airports play a crucial role in the nation’s growth and also in enhancing security. He explained that having good, functional airports is essential not only for facilitating travel and trade but also for improving safety, as airports are central to national security logistics, especially in emergencies.
While the Senate was discussing the approval, Senator Isah Jibrin from Kogi East also took the opportunity to inform the Senate about Kogi State’s ongoing airport construction project. Senator Jibrin mentioned that once the airport in Kogi is completed, the state would also seek reimbursement from the federal government. He assured that Kogi would follow the proper procedure to request reimbursement through promissory notes, just like Kebbi and Nasarawa.
The Senate’s Deputy President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the request to a voice vote. After this, the proposal was formally approved, and the reimbursement process for the two states was set in motion.
This approval is part of a larger push by the Nigerian government to develop the country’s aviation infrastructure. By supporting the construction of airports across different states, the government aims to stimulate economic growth, improve transportation networks, and enhance security across the country.
It’s worth noting that infrastructure development, including airports, is often viewed as a key to unlocking broader economic potential. Airports are not only hubs for travel and commerce, but they also create jobs, foster tourism, and open up new business opportunities. For rural or less-developed areas, having a functional airport can be a game-changer, connecting them to the rest of the country and even the world.
Kebbi and Nasarawa’s involvement in these airport projects reflects the growing trend of state governments stepping in to contribute to national infrastructure, particularly in areas that are vital to the economy and security. By handling the construction and seeking reimbursement from the federal government, these states are playing a proactive role in their own development while also contributing to the federal effort to modernize the country’s infrastructure.
The decision by the Senate to approve the reimbursement is a reflection of how state and federal governments can collaborate to drive development in key sectors. As more states embark on similar projects, it is expected that the federal government will continue to reimburse them for their contributions to national infrastructure, ensuring that the country’s development is not hindered by financial constraints at the state level.
Moreover, the approval also highlights the importance of aviation in Nigeria’s broader development strategy. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to boost the aviation sector, which is seen as an essential component of the country’s economic diversification plans. Building more airports and improving existing ones is crucial for connecting the various regions of the country and promoting greater economic integration.
The approval also underscores the growing recognition of infrastructure projects as vital tools for enhancing national security. As mentioned by Senator Abbas, airports are not just about facilitating movement; they are also critical to ensuring the safety and security of the country. A well-connected country, with airports strategically located across its regions, is better positioned to respond to emergencies, fight insurgencies, and manage the movement of goods and people during crises.
The Senate’s action also sets a precedent for other states that might be involved in similar infrastructure projects. With Kogi State’s airport project in the pipeline, it’s likely that other states will soon follow suit. The process by which states can seek reimbursements for their contributions to federal projects could become more streamlined, allowing for quicker approvals and smoother financial transactions.
Overall, the approval of the N24 billion reimbursement to Kebbi and Nasarawa states is an important development that reflects the federal government’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s infrastructure, boosting regional development, and ensuring the security of the nation. As other states follow in the footsteps of Kebbi and Nasarawa, the country’s aviation infrastructure will continue to grow, supporting broader efforts to modernize the economy and improve the quality of life for Nigerians across the country.
