N1.15b vehicle gift to the Republic of Niger was to protect our territory - FG

Image: AutoJosh

Following the report published by Sahara Reporters in June that the FG approved the disbursement of N1.15 billion for purchasing 10 SUVs for the Republic of Niger, a lot of controversy was generated on Social media. The purchase was approved by Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd.) as revealed.

However, the FG on Wednesday came out to defend the disbursement, saying that the step was to enable the country to protect its territory for the best interests of Nigerian security.

After the Federal Executive Council meeting, State House Correspondents the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said it was not the first time Nigeria had supported its neighbors.

She argued that the President’s responsibility to make such decisions was for the country’s best interests.

The record, sourced from the ‘appropriations’ page of the Ministry’s website, showed that in July 2022, N1,145,000,000 was approved for payment to Kaura Motors Nigeria Limited to supply the SUVs.

Image: Nairaland

The Minister of Information and Culture also revealed on Wednesday that Kaura Motors would also supply 25 operational vehicles for the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission at the sum of N810.53m.

It also revealed that the President had okayed the disbursement in February 2022.

Recall that the news sparked outrage amongst Nigerians who argued that funding a foreign entity should not be the government’s priority amid the 5-month ASUU and the harsh economic realities.

The minister of finance responded on Wednesday by saying Nigeria’s assistance to Niger was a way of securing its own territory.

She also noted that it is only one of several instances where Nigeria has supported her neigbours.

According to her, “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, in the Niger Republic, President Mohammed Bazoum has honoured six Nigerians as the country marked its 62nd Independence anniversary in the capital city of Niamey.

They include the Jigawa State Governor, Mohammad Badaru, his Zamfara State counterpart, Bello Matawalle, Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, State Chief of Protocol, Lawan Kazaure, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Saiki Abba.

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#FG

#Niger Republic

#SUVs