The Senate has given its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts one month to scrutinise President Bola Tinubu’s request to reimburse Yobe State N100.5 billion for constructing the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu.

The directive followed the presentation of the President’s request during plenary on Tuesday, placing the proposed multibillion-naira reimbursement before the legislature for examination.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the request to the committee, which is expected to review the proposed payment under the Federal Government’s 70th Promissory Notes Programme and report back to the chamber within one month.

The request seeks approval for the Federal Government to settle the cost of the airport, which was built by the Yobe State Government before the Federal Executive Council approved its takeover and reimbursement.

The council gave its approval at its second extraordinary meeting on May 23, 2023.

In the letter read to lawmakers, Tinubu said the Bureau of Public Procurement had reviewed the project and recommended N100,509,017,234.55 for reimbursement to the state.

The President is asking the Senate to approve the establishment and issuance of a Promissory Notes Programme by the Debt Management Office to cover the recommended amount.

The proposed payment would allow the Federal Government to settle the financial obligation arising from its takeover of the airport project.

The Senate’s referral, however, means the request must undergo committee scrutiny before the chamber decides whether to approve the proposed reimbursement.

The committee’s report, expected within one month, will provide the basis for further consideration of the request by the Senate.