The Federal Government on Wednesday confirmed that it has purchased vehicles worth N1.4 billion to help Niger tackle insecurity.
The Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed gave the confirmation while fielding questions from reporters, shortly after the Federal Executive Council ( FEC) meeting presided over by the President, Muhammadu Buhari.
A popular social media influencer, David Hundeyin, on Wednesday exposed the expenditure by the FG generating outrage among Nigerians. The documents published by Hundeyin showed that the President approved the release of the fund on the 22nd of February this year.
Ahmed, argued that even though Nigerians have the right to question the rationale for such donation, President Muhammadu Buhari, who approved the purchase, also had the right to make his own assessment on situations an act accordingly. She maintained that “this was not the first time the country is providing such interventions to her neighbours.”
The contract to supply the 10 units of Toyoya Land Cruisers was awarded to IFO Kaura Motors Nig. Limited.
“Let me just say that overtime, Nigeria has had to support her neighbours, especially the immediate neighbours to enhance their capacity to secure their countries as it relates to us. This is not the first time that Nigeria had assisted Niger Republic, Cameroon or Chad.
“The President makes an assessment as to what is required based on the request of their Presidents. Such requests are approved and interventions are provided.
“It is to enhance their capacity to protect their countries, as it relates to security and also to Nigeria.”
She added that, “Nigerians have the rights to ask questions, but also the President has the responsibility to make an assessment of what is in the best interest of the country and I cannot question the decision myself.
“I have said this is not the first time that Nigeria as a country has provided an intervention to our neighbours. It is in the best interest of Nigeria to do so.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
