Procurement of N1.4bn vehicles for Niger Republic in Nigeria’s best interest – FG

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Federal Government yesterday cleared the air on President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of N1.4 billion to purchase vehicles for the Niger Republic.

Confirming the purchase to State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Buhari, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Zainab Ahmed said the President reserved the right to take decisions in the interest of Nigeria.

A report had indicated that the President approved the purchase of about 10 number Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Republic of Niger, but did not however, specify the purpose for such approval, DailyTimesNGR gathered.

Speaking further, she said that “this was not the first time the country is proving such interventions to her neighbours”.

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The Finance Minister also noted that it is the President’s prerogatives to take such decisions after a careful assessment of the situation.

“Let me just say that overtime, 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 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.

“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 that this is not the first time and that Nigeria as a country has provided an intervention to our neighbors. It is in the best interest of Nigeria to do so, “the Minister added.