RismadarVoice Reporters
October 13, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has requested the approval of the House of Representatives to reimburse the Yobe State Government ₦100.5 billion following the Federal Government’s takeover of Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Damaturu.
The request was contained in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, as lawmakers resumed legislative activities after their annual recess.
Tinubu proposed that the reimbursement be made through a promissory note programme to be established and issued by the Debt Management Office (DMO).
According to the President, the Federal Executive Council approved the takeover of the airport, which was constructed by the Yobe State Government, at an extraordinary meeting on May 23, 2023.
He explained that the decision also provided for the reimbursement of the state government through a promissory note arrangement.
Tinubu disclosed that the Bureau of Public Procurement had reviewed the airport project and recommended ₦100,509,017,255 as the amount payable to Yobe State.
The President consequently asked the House to approve the issuance of promissory notes covering the recommended amount.
The proposal remains subject to legislative consideration and approval. A promissory note would establish a government obligation to make payment under specified terms rather than necessarily requiring an immediate cash disbursement.
In separate communications, Tinubu also transmitted three legislative proposals to the House for consideration.
They include the National Research Development Fund Bill, 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 Conventions legislation and provide an updated domestic legal framework for implementing the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the two Additional Protocols adopted in 1977.
The proposed legislation addresses protections for civilians, wounded and sick persons, prisoners of war and other individuals affected by armed conflicts.
Similarly, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill seeks to establish domestic provisions for implementing Nigeria’s obligations under the Rome Statute.
The bill covers the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and related offences, while providing a framework for cooperation with the International Criminal Court.
The proposals are intended to strengthen Nigeria’s legal arrangements for addressing serious international crimes and fulfilling its international humanitarian obligations.
Speaking during the resumption of legislative activities, Abbas identified the transmitted bills as matters requiring careful consideration by the House.
He highlighted the importance of the proposed international humanitarian law reforms, particularly their implications for the protection of civilians and other vulnerable persons during armed conflicts.
The Speaker also acknowledged the President’s submission of the proposals and reaffirmed the House’s responsibility to examine them through the appropriate legislative procedures.
The airport reimbursement request and the three bills will proceed through the relevant legislative processes, with their implementation dependent on the necessary approvals.
