FG Justifies Purchase of N1.4 billion Worth Of Vehicles For Niger Republic
The purchase of vehicles worth N1.4 billion for neighboring Niger Republic to fight insecurity has been confirmed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
This was corroborated by the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed on Wednesday.
Channels TV reports that independent journalist David Hundeyin had on Tuesday, shared the picture of a budget office document showing the payment of purchase of the vehicles, challenging the government on the gesture.
The journalist had queried President Muhammadu Buhari to justify why “scarce” public sector resources were being spent on Niger Republic without it appearing “on official Budget Office documentation.”
This had spurred reactions from many Nigerians on social media.
The minister, while speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by the President, replied to questions regarding documents published on social media which revealed that Buhari has approved the release of the funds on February 22, 2022, for the Niger Republic.
The Minister also said that rendering intervention to the Niger Republic is not new and the purchase was authorized by President Muhammadu Buhari.
She added that President Buhari, whose authority she cannot query, possess the right to make decisions and give
directives.
The minister said the financial backing was based on a request by the Nigerien government and it serves to strengthen the capacity to safeguard their territory, adding that it is also in the best interest of Nigeria.
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