Tinubu seeks N100.5bn approval to reimburse Yobe for Damaturu airport

President Bola Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to approve a 100.5 billion naira promissory note programme to reimburse the Yobe State Government for the takeover of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Damaturu.

The request was conveyed in a letter read by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary as lawmakers resumed legislative activities after their annual recess.

Tinubu said the Federal Executive Council approved the takeover of the airport, constructed by the state government, at an extraordinary meeting on May 23, 2023.

The council also approved reimbursement through the promissory note arrangement.

Under the proposal, the Federal Government would reimburse Yobe State through a promissory note to be issued by the Debt Management Office.

The President said the Bureau of Public Procurement reviewed the project and recommended over one hundred billion as the amount payable to the state.

The proposed reimbursement would formalise the Federal Government’s financial obligation to Yobe State following the airport’s takeover.

However, the programme requires legislative approval before it can proceed.

In separate communications, Tinubu also transmitted the National Research Development Fund Bill and two proposed laws relating to international humanitarian and criminal law to the House for consideration.

The proposed legislation comprises the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Bill, 2026, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill, 2026.

The Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Bill seeks to repeal the existing Geneva Convention Act and incorporate the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, and two Additional Protocols adopted on June 8, 1977, into Nigerian law.

The proposed law aims to update Nigeria’s domestic legal framework for implementing its obligations under international humanitarian law, including protections for civilians, wounded and sick military personnel, and prisoners of war during armed conflicts.

The second proposal, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill, 2026, seeks to establish a domestic framework for implementing the Rome Statute and addressing offences such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

It also seeks to provide a framework for Nigeria’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court.

Speaking during the resumption of legislative activities, Abbas identified the proposed laws as important items requiring careful consideration by lawmakers.

The Speaker highlighted the National Research Development Fund Bill and the two international-law proposals, noting their national and diplomatic significance.

He commended the President for transmitting the bills and reaffirmed the House’s readiness to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.

The proposals are now before the House for consideration, with lawmakers expected to determine the next steps in the legislative process.