The Nasarawa State Government has confirmed the receipt of ₦9.75 billion from the Federal Government as reimbursement for the transfer of ownership of the Lafia Cargo Airport—now officially renamed Usman Dan Fodio Airport.
Governor Abdullahi Sule made the announcement on Monday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Lafia. The gathering included top political figures and traditional leaders from across the state.
According to Governor Sule, the refund is the result of persistent follow-ups by his administration after the Federal Government formally took over the airport in 2022.
“Our administration has worked tirelessly to secure this refund of ₦9.75 billion since the airport was handed over. This meeting is to acknowledge everyone who contributed to this success and to collectively deliberate on how best to allocate the funds,” he said.
He credited the groundwork laid by former governor and current senator, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who initiated the airport project. Sule noted that the airport has already begun to enhance the state’s appeal to investors.
“We completed the airport and had it commissioned by the then-president in 2022. Discussions were held early on about transferring the facility to the Federal Government, and I’m glad that vision has now been realized,” he added.
Governor Sule revealed that the refund would be channeled toward a key road project connecting Kwandere to Sabon Gida—another legacy initiative from the Al-Makura administration.
“The funds will go directly to completing the Kwandere–Sabon Gida Road. The project cost aligns precisely with the amount refunded,” he stated.
The governor also used the occasion to thank various institutions and individuals who played crucial roles in securing the refund, including officials from the Ministries of Works and Finance, the State Revenue Service, and members of the National Assembly—particularly Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu and Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, who represents Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency.
In a related update, Governor Sule announced that construction work on the over ₦16 billion Lafia Flyover and Underpass has reached technical completion.
“While some minor works remain, the core infrastructure is now complete and ready for use,” he explained.
He further disclosed that the road will be opened to the public ahead of its official commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, scheduled for June.
“This early opening allows us to identify and address any potential defects, such as cracks or settlement issues, before the formal handover,” the governor said.
The developments mark a significant milestone in Nasarawa’s push to improve infrastructure and attract more investment into the state.
