The Taraba State Government, on Wednesday, appealed to Federal Government to refund over N27 billion spent by the state government on construction of federal roads in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Works and Transport, Dr. Tafarki Agbadu, made the appeal
at the 4th edition of “Face the Press’, an initiative b Senior Special Assistant to Governor Darius Ishaku on Public Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Bello.
The initiative was to enhance weekly interaction between government officials and the media in Jalingo.
The commissioner said the appeal had become necessary, following the need to put the money into opening up of other access roads for increased economic activities in the state.
He added that the money was used in building the Jalingo-Sunkani- Garba Chede and the ongoing Bali-Serti- Gembu federal roads.
He noted that part of the money was also used in the construction of the Jalingo-Kona federal road.
Agbadu explained that a Federal Government delegation had already undertaken an assessment tour of the projects in the state but no refund was made yet.
“We have spent over N27 billion in the construction of federal roads in the state without any refund.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government for a refund of the money to enable us to open up more roads and other projects,” he said.
The commissioner also said the state government had remodelled its airport by purchasing some navigation equipment for effectiveness.
According to him, government has already generated N28 million from the agreement it reached with commercial flight operators.
He explained that government was working towards leasing out its two aircrafts procured by the past administrations to enhance its revenue generation.
Agbadu called on the people of the state to support the Ishaku-led government in its resolve to bring about development in all facets of human endeavour. (NAN)