…transmits research fund, Geneva Conventions and ICC bills to House
By Gloria Ikibah 
President Bola Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to approve a N100.5bn promissory note programme to reimburse the Yobe State Government for the takeover of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Damaturu.
The President’s request was conveyed in a letter read by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Tuesday as lawmakers resumed sitting after their annual recess.
Tinubu said the Federal Executive Council, at an extraordinary meeting held on May 23, 2023, approved the Federal Government’s takeover of the airport, which was built by the Yobe State Government, with an agreement to reimburse the state through a promissory note programme.
In the letter, the President stated: “I write to request the approval of the House of Representatives for the establishment of a promissory note programme for the reimbursement of the Yobe State Government for the takeover of Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Damaturu.”
He said the Bureau of Public Procurement had completed its review of the project and recommended N100,509,017,255 as the amount payable to the state government.
Tinubu urged lawmakers to approve the issuance of the promissory note through the Debt Management Office to facilitate the reimbursement.
“In the light of the foregoing, I urge the House of Representatives to consider and approve the establishment and issuance by the Debt Management Office a promissory note program in the sum of N100,509,017,255 for the reimbursement of the Yobe State Government for the takeover of Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Damaturu,” he said.
The President also urged the House to consider the request expeditiously.
Tinubu transmits research fund, international law bills
In a another development, the President transmitted three legislative proposals to the House, including the National Research Development Fund Bill, 2026, the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Bill, 2026, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill, 2026.
The proposals seek to strengthen Nigeria’s research funding framework and update its domestic legal provisions on international humanitarian law and cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Transmitting the two international law bills, Tinubu stated: “Pursuant to Section 50A of Section 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I forward herewith the Geneva Convention and Additional Protocols Bill 2026 and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill 2026 for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives.”
The Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Bill seeks to repeal the existing Geneva Convention Act and give effect to the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, and the two Additional Protocols adopted on June 8, 1977.
The proposed legislation is intended to update Nigeria’s legal framework for meeting its obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly the protection of people affected by armed conflicts.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Enforcement Bill seeks to give effect to the Rome Statute in Nigeria and provide a framework for the enforcement and punishment of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and related offences.
It also provides for Nigeria’s cooperation with the ICC in carrying out its functions.
Responding to the President’s legislative proposals, Abbas assured that the House will give them prompt and careful consideration.
The Speaker specifically identified the National Research Development Fund Bill and the proposals on the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute as important legislative priorities for the 10th Assembly.
He said the international law bills carried significant national and diplomatic implications, noting that their passage would strengthen legal protections for civilians, wounded persons and prisoners during armed conflicts.
Abbas commended Tinubu for transmitting the proposals and expressed confidence that the House would discharge its legislative responsibilities in considering them.
The requests come as the House begins the final phase of the 10th Assembly, with lawmakers expected to prioritise outstanding bills and other legislative business before the end of their tenure.
