The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it has resolved the issue of outstanding tax payment with the Edo State government, following a courtesy call on Governor Adams Oshiomhole by FAAN's Managing Director, Mr. George Uriesi, in Benin.

This followed the closure of the Benin Airport on Tuesday by officials of the state government, thus disrupting flight operations into the airport.

According Yakubu Dati, general-manager, corporate communications, "Records clearly showed that FAAN is up to date with its payment of PAYE taxes for Benin Airport up to June, 2013 as the authority makes month-by-month payment to the Edo State government, direct from Benin Airport, as soon as salaries are paid. Receipts for such monthly payments were made available for verification. Payment for July, 2013 will be ready for payment by August 6, 2013 since FAAN pays salaries between the 24th and 25th of every month.

"What the Edo State government sends annually for payment is the total of shortfalls in such monthly payments, arrived at after reconciliation of accounts with our consultants. The only outstanding payment of such annual bills is that of 2011, amounting to about N15 million, a cheque for which is now ready for release."

He said to date, the authority had not received the outstanding annual bill for shortfalls in 2012 from the Edo State government.