Tinubu Urges Reps to Sanction N100.5bn Yobe Airport Payout

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the House of Representatives to endorse a N100.5 billion promissory note initiative. This scheme aims to compensate the Yobe State Government for the federal acquisition of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, situated in Damaturu, the state capital. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas conveyed this presidential appeal in a letter during Tuesday's plenary session, marking the legislators' return from their annual recess.

The proposal outlines that the Federal Government will reimburse Yobe State for the airport's construction costs through a promissory note, which is to be issued by the Debt Management Office. President Tinubu noted that the Federal Executive Council had given its approval for the takeover of the state-built airport during an extraordinary meeting held on May 23, 2023. This approval included the decision to reimburse the state via the promissory note arrangement.

Part of the President's letter read, "I write to request the approval of the House of Representatives for the establishment of a promissory note programme for the reimbursement of the Yobe State Government for the takeover of Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Damaturu." He further disclosed that the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had reviewed the project and recommended N100,509,017,255 as the appropriate amount payable to the state.

Tinubu's communication continued, "In the light of the foregoing, I urge the House of Representatives to consider and approve the establishment and issuance by the Debt Management Office of a promissory note programme in the sum of N100,509,017,255 for the reimbursement of the Yobe State Government for the takeover of Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Damaturu." This proposed reimbursement is intended to formalize the Federal Government's financial obligation to Yobe State following the airport's federalization. However, the request still requires the National Assembly's thorough consideration and subsequent approval.

In separate communications to the House, President Tinubu also transmitted the National Research Development Fund Bill for legislative review, alongside two other significant proposed pieces of legislation focusing on international law: the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Bill, 2026, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill, 2026.

In his letter accompanying these bills, Tinubu explicitly stated, "Pursuant to Section 50A of Section 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I forward herewith the Geneva Convention and Additional Protocols Bill 2026 and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill 2026 for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives."

The Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Bill seeks to repeal the current Geneva Convention Act and integrate the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, along with two Additional Protocols adopted on June 8, 1977, into Nigerian law. This proposed legislation aims to update Nigeria’s domestic legal framework, enabling it to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly in safeguarding individuals affected by armed conflicts.

These Geneva Conventions establish guidelines for the treatment of wounded and sick military personnel, prisoners of war, and civilians during armed conflicts. Their Additional Protocols further expand and clarify these protections under international humanitarian law.

The second proposal, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill, 2026, is designed to facilitate the domestic implementation and enforcement of the Rome Statute. It aims to establish provisions for prosecuting grave offenses such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and related crimes. Additionally, it seeks to create a framework for Nigeria's cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in carrying out its functions.

This proposed legislation is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to investigate and prosecute severe international crimes within the ambit of applicable law, while also fostering collaboration with the international tribunal.

These presidential requests were submitted as the House commenced the final phase of its legislative calendar. Speaker Abbas identified the bills transmitted by the President as key proposals demanding prompt and diligent consideration. In his resumption address, the Speaker specifically highlighted the National Research Development Fund Bill and the proposals concerning the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols as crucial items for legislative attention.

Abbas underscored the national and diplomatic significance of the international-law proposals, noting their potential to enhance protections for civilians, wounded persons, and prisoners during armed conflicts. He commended President Tinubu for forwarding these proposals and affirmed the House’s readiness to discharge its constitutional responsibilities in reviewing them. The transmission of these bills initiates their legislative scrutiny.