The request was conveyed in a letter read by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as lawmakers resumed legislative activities after their annual recess.

Under the proposal, the Debt Management Office (DMO) would issue a promissory note worth ₦100,509,017,255 to cover the federal government’s reimbursement to Yobe State for the airport, which was built by the state government.

Tinubu said the Federal Executive Council approved the airport’s takeover at an extraordinary meeting on May 23, 2023, alongside a decision to reimburse the state through a promissory note arrangement.

According to the President’s letter, the Bureau of Public Procurement reviewed the project and recommended ₦100.509 billion as the amount payable to the state.

The proposed payment is intended to formalise the federal government’s financial obligation following the takeover. However, the promissory note programme still requires the necessary legislative approval before it can proceed.

In separate communications to the House, Tinubu also transmitted three bills for lawmakers’ consideration: the National Research Development Fund Bill, the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Bill, 2026, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill, 2026.

The proposed Geneva Conventions legislation seeks to replace Nigeria’s existing Geneva Convention Act and incorporate the 1949 Geneva Conventions and two Additional Protocols adopted in 1977 into domestic law.

The Geneva Conventions establish protections for wounded and sick members of armed forces, prisoners of war and civilians during armed conflicts. Their Additional Protocols expand and clarify rules governing the protection of people affected by war.

The second international-law proposal, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill, 2026, seeks to establish a domestic legal framework for implementing relevant provisions of the Rome Statute, addressing crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and facilitating Nigeria’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court.

If enacted, the proposed legislation could strengthen Nigeria’s domestic framework for addressing grave international crimes, subject to the provisions ultimately approved by lawmakers.

The National Research Development Fund Bill is also among the proposals submitted for consideration. Its progress through the legislative process will determine the final framework and arrangements for the proposed fund.

During his resumption address, Abbas identified the bills as important items for legislative attention. He emphasised the national and international significance of the proposed laws, particularly those relating to research development and the protection of people affected by armed conflict.

The President’s requests have now been placed before the House for consideration. Their submission does not mean the bills or the airport reimbursement programme have been approved; lawmakers must still determine the next steps under the legislative process.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia