JUST IN: Amid #ASUU Strike, Buhari Govt State Reasons For Buying N1.4bn Vehicles For Niger Republic—-The Federal Government has confirmed that it has purchased vehicles worth N1.4 billion to help Niger Republic tackle insecurity.
The Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed gave the confirmation on Wednesday, explaining that providing intervention to the neighboring Niger Republic is not new and it is the prerogative of President Muhammadu Buhari who approved the purchase.
According to her, President Buhari, whose actions she cannot question, has the right to make his own assessment of situations and give directives accordingly.
She added that the financial support, which is primarily for the purpose of enhancing capacity to protect their territory, based on a request by the Nigerian Government, is also in the best interest of the country.
The minister, who was speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by the President, responded to questions regarding documents released on social media which showed that the president approved the release of the funds on February 22, 2022, for the Niger Republic.
Speaking further on the procurement, Ahmed said even though Nigerians have the right to question, President Muhammadu Buhari, who approved the purchase, also has the right to make his assessment of situations and act accordingly.
“Let me just say that over time, Nigeria has had to support its 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 the Niger Republic, Cameroon or Chad,” she said.
“The president makes an assessment as to what is required based on the request of their presidents. Such requests are approved, and interventions were provided.
“It is to enhance their capacity to protect their countries, as it relates to security and also to Nigeria.”
