By Nafisat Makinde
The Nasarawa State Government has received a refund of N9.75 billion from the Federal Government following the takeover of the former Lafia Cargo Airport, now renamed Usman Dan Fodio Airport. Governor Abdullahi Sule announced this development during a special meeting with selected stakeholders across the state at the Government House in Lafia.
The refund was facilitated after persistent efforts by the state government following the Federal Government’s takeover of the airport in 2022. Governor Sule expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including National Assembly members and traditional leaders, who played significant roles in achieving the reimbursement.
The N9.75 billion refund was initially sought to finance the completion of the Kwandere-Sabon Gida Road, a legacy project initiated by former Governor Al-Makura.
Governor Abdullahi Sule said, “The motivation for requesting the refund was to use the funds to complete the road between Kwandere and Sabongida. The amount we sought—approximately N9.75 billion—was precisely what was needed to finish the road, which was also initiated by Senator Al-Makura.”
He also said, “We want to open the road so it can be used extensively before the official commissioning. This will allow us to identify and address any issues, such as cracks, over the next two or three weeks. We are hopeful that Mr President will be present in June to commission it.”
The development involves key dignitaries, including Governor Abdullahi Sule, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who initiated the construction of the airport, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expected to commission the Lafia Flyover and Underpass in June, and Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who contributed to securing the refund.
The Lafia Flyover and Underpass project, worth over N16 billion, was technically completed and will be opened for public use before its official commissioning by President Tinubu in June.
