The federal government will refund about N20 billion to each state for funds spent on federal projects in their various states, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has disclosed.
Dogara revealed this when he paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ogwuekpele in Anambra State, Igwe Valentine Onyema Ogidiga, at the weekend.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Iliya Habila, Dogara urged the states to further deploy the funds to providing more critical infrastructure when they get the refund.
“With regard to debts being owed the states, I can announce that very soon, a chunk of that money will be given to the states. It is being processed and I know that no state will get less than N20 billion from the money that is coming.
“That will be something substantial in the hands of the governors. They will be able to translate that money into development so that they support the diversification programmes of the federal government,” Dogara said.
He also addressed the concerns expressed by the traditional ruler on decaying infrastructure in the state, promising that the federal government was planning massive investment in infrastructure.
“Without capital you cannot invest, so these are the two things that this government is devoted to. By doing so, Nigerians can have enough capital, they will get the needed infrastructure for the establishment of functional industries, for the evacuation of either solid minerals or agricultural products,” he assured his host.
Although there are no confirmations of the development yet from the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, a senior official in the ministry said he was unaware of plans by the federal government to pay at least N20 billion to the states.
