The Federal Government is expected to refund a total sum of ₦489 billion to 21 states of the federation as approved by the Senate for states which used their resources to execute federal projects in their localities.

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Chief Victor Umeh made the disclosure on Thursday while briefing newsmen in Awka, Anambra State.

Based on the Senate’s decision to approve some of their outstanding claims and liabilities, Umeh said Lagos State topped the beneficiaries of the refund with ₦114.6 billion while   Akwa Ibom State came second with ₦78.7 billion.

According to him, Zamfara State is expected to get ₦60. 02 billion from the refund, Ogun State will take ₦59.2 billion while Anambra State will receive ₦37.9 billion among other states.

Umeh, who is a member of the Senate ad hoc committee on promissory note programme and bond issuance whichapproved the refunds said the approval was made possible following the rescinding of an earlier Senate resolution on the committee’s interim report of June 7, 2018.

“The approval of the refund followed a motion by Senator Francis Alimikhena representing Edo North that the Senate should settle inherited local debts and contractual obligations on refund to state governments for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government.

“Anambra State deputy governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke and I led the Anambra delegation to the refund defence. I devoted my time to it because Governor Willie Obiano is doing well and needs as much assistance as possible to continue his good work in the state,” Umeh said.

The Senator further appealed to the Federal Government to release the money without much delay to enable the states put the funds to profitable use.