N1.15bn Vehicles Purchase For Niger Republic-The Federal Government Gives Reasons

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, defends the disbursement of N1.15bn for the purchase of 10 SUVs for the Republic of Niger, saying that the move is to enable the country to safeguard its territory in the best interest of Nigeria’s security.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said it was not the first time Nigeria is supporting her neighbours.

She asserted that the President had a responsibility to make such decisions “in the best interests of the country.”

She said this while answering questions from State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the Minister; 

“Let me just say that, over time, Nigeria has had to support its neighbours, especially immediate neighbours, to enhance their capacity to secure their countries as it relates to us.

“This is not the first time that Nigeria has supported Niger, Cameroon or Chad, and the President makes an assessment as to what is required, based on the request of their president and such requests are approved and the interventions provided is to enhance their capacity to protect their own territory as it relates to security also to Nigeria.

“Nigerians have a right to ask questions, but also the President has a responsibility to make an assessment of what is in the best interests of the country. And I cannot question that decision.”

Meanwhile, the Following Nigerians, six in number, were honoured by President of Niger Republic, President Mohammed Bazoum, as the country marked its 62nd Independence anniversary in the capital city of Niamey.

They are;

The Jigawa State Governor, Mohammad Badaru.

The Zamfara Governor, Bello Matawalle.

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.

The Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu. 

The State Chief of Protocol, Lawan Kazaure.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Saiki Abba

The funding for a foreign entity raised concerns amongst most Nigerians who felt that the government’s priority should be fixed on resolving the harsh economic realities, as well as the 5-month strike action by the Academic Staff Uníon of Universities, ASUU.