PMB seeks Senate approval for N16 billion refund to Borno State

President Muhammadu Buhari has called upon the Senate to approve a refund of N16 billion to the Borno State Government through the issuance of promissory notes.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan read the President’s request during the plenary session.

The President stated that the refund is intended to compensate the Borno State Government for the construction of federal roads undertaken by the state.

His letter highlighted the following points: “I wish to inform the Distinguished Senate President that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), during its meeting on May 3, 2023, approved the reimbursement of N16,772,486,002.19 to the Borno State Government through the issuance of promissory notes. This reimbursement is for the federal road projects executed by the state.”

He further explained, “It is worth noting that during its meeting on February 1, 2023, the FEC had previously approved a reimbursement of N3,084,769,393.63 to Borno State, along with an approval of N6,601,769,470.99 for reimbursement to the Plateau State Government.”

The President’s request for the National Assembly’s resolution regarding the issuance of promissory notes to both states has already been forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

He emphasized, “The FEC’s recent approval for the reimbursement of an additional sum of N16,772,486,002.19 to the Borno State Government was based on an appeal by the State and my directive to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. I have instructed them to ensure sufficient funds are provided for the completion of the Damboa/Chibok road, taking into account the current project completion cost.”

The President clarified that the FEC’s approval followed a comprehensive review conducted by a cabinet committee.

This committee assessed documents submitted by the state and conducted physical inspections and verifications of the projects carried out by the Borno State Government.

Consequently, the President appealed to the Senate to consider and approve, through a resolution, the reimbursement of N16,772,486,002.19 to the Borno State Government by issuing promissory notes for the road projects executed by the state on behalf of the Federal Government.

He assured that the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing would provide any additional information required by the National Assembly for the consideration of this request.

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