By Oriakhi loveth Omosefe
Nasarawa Confirms Receipt of N9.75bn from Federal Government
The Nasarawa State Government has confirmed the receipt of N9.75 billion from the Federal Government as reimbursement for the transfer of the former Lafia Cargo Airport to federal control.
Governor Abdullahi Sule announced the development during a stakeholder meeting held at the Government House in Lafia on Monday.
The meeting brought together members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, senior government officials, and other key figures from across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Sule said the refund followed the Federal Government’s official takeover of the airport in 2022.
The facility, originally conceived and constructed by the Nasarawa State Government, was renamed Usman Dan Fodio Airport upon transfer.
According to the governor, efforts to secure the refund began immediately after the airport was handed over.
He said the process involved extensive engagement with federal ministries and agencies,
as well as support from members of the National Assembly representing the state.
“The Federal Government has now refunded the sum of N9.75 billion to us. This was the exact amount we requested after the handover of the airport,” he said. “It took sustained effort and collaboration across various levels of government to achieve this result.”
Governor Sule used the occasion to express gratitude to individuals and institutions who played significant roles in the process.
He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, the member representing Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency,
the Federal Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance, the Revenue Chairman, and the former Accountant General of the state.
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He added that the funds would be used to complete the Kwandere-Sabon Gida Road, a major infrastructure project that was also initiated by former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.
“This road is a priority for us. The amount refunded is exactly what we need to bring the project to completion,” Sule stated.
In addition to announcing the refund, the governor also informed stakeholders about the completion of the Lafia Flyover and Underpass projects.
Valued at over N16 billion, the road infrastructure was initiated by the current administration as part of its urban renewal agenda.
“The underpass and flyover are now technically complete and ready for use,” he said. “We intend to open the road for public use ahead of the official commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scheduled for June.”
Sule said the temporary opening of the road would allow engineers to observe and address any potential issues before the final handover.
He also emphasized the importance of stakeholder input in determining how the refunded funds should be utilized, stating that collaborative decision-making remains a cornerstone of his administration.
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