Tinubu's N100.5bn Airport Reimbursement Plan Criticized

Aviation industry experts have criticized the Federal Government's plan to reimburse the Yobe State Government N100.5bn for the construction of the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu. They argue that such reimbursements should be based on clear economic objectives and sustainable operational plans.

President Bola Tinubu requested the Senate's approval for a N100.5bn promissory note to facilitate this reimbursement in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Federal Executive Council approved the airport's takeover and reimbursement on 23 May, 2023.

Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, cautioned against state governments undertaking airport projects without thorough assessments, noting that less than 10 percent of Nigerians travel by air. Aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo questioned the rationale behind constructing airports that exceed the economic capacity of states, suggesting that political motivations may drive such projects, especially before elections.