The Nasarawa State Government has finally received a refund from the Federal Government for the takeover of the erstwhile Lafia Cargo Airport, amounting to N9.75 billion.

Governor Abdullahi Sule made this known during a special meeting with some stakeholders from across the state, which was held at the Government House on Monday.

According to Sule, after the Federal Government took over the airport, which was renamed Usman Dan Fodio Airport in 2022, his administration relentlessly pursued a refund amounting to N9.75 billion.

He said he convened the meeting to show appreciation to the stakeholders, including National Assembly members and traditional rulers, who together played critical roles leading to the receipt of the refund.

The Governor added that the meeting will also allow the participants to discuss the way forward regarding the money received.

While appreciating the stakeholders for attending the meeting, especially on Monday, he listed only three items as the agenda for the parley, which he said is important for the stakeholders to jointly take a decision as a state.

“The first item has to do with the Lafia Cargo Airport, now named Usman Dan Fodio Airport by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“Let me, at this moment, begin by showing great appreciation to His Excellency, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, for the initiative to construct this airport, which today has brightened the investment potentials of the state.

“If you remember, we completed the airport, and we invited the former president to come and commission the airport in 2022. But initially, just like it was intended, we started also talking about the handing over of that airport to the federal government for full utilisation.”

Sule disclosed that earlier, the State Government had sought the refund to utilise the funds in completing the Kwandere-Sabon Gida Road, also initiated by former governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the money until last week, when we now received the N9.75bn from the Federal Government.”

This is just as Governor Sule announced the completion of the over N16bn Lafia Flyover and Underpass conceived and started by his administration.

He said that even though there are still minor works to be carried out, the projects are ready for use.

Sule said the meeting will also discuss the meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the entire North Central geopolitical zone, billed to be held in Abuja next week.

He invited the stakeholders to perform the symbolic opening of the Lafia flyover and underpass for public use.