From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Despite outrage trailing its approval of N1,145,000,000 for the purchase of vehicles for Niger Republic, the Federal Government has justified action.

The approval was exposed by a popular social media influencer. The document released by the media influencer showed that the president approved the release of the fund on February 22 this year.

The contract to supply the 10 units of Toyoya Land Cruisers was awarded to IFO Kaura Motors Nig. Limited.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, while responding to questions during the post-Federal Executive Council (FEC), argued that though Nigerians have the right to question, President Muhammadu Buhari, who approved the purchase, also has the right to make his own assessment on situations an act accordingly.

She said Nigeria has a policy of assisting its neighbours to strengthen capacity to deal with insecurity.

“Over time, Nigeria has had to support its immediate neighbours to enhance their capacity to secure their countries as it relates to us. This is not the first time that Nigeria is supporting Niger, Cameroun or Chad.

“The president makes an assessments to what is required based on the request of their Presidents, as such, the requests are approved and the interventions are provided, to enhance their capacity to protect their own territory as it relates to security also in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the Council has approved N2.6 billion for the procurement of utility vehicles and gadgets for security agencies operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Minister of the FCT, Mohammed Bello revealed this.

He revealed that he also got an approval for the procurement of more working tools for security agencies responsible for securing the FCT. 

“In addition to that, the council also approved the supply of various security gadgets and accessories to support security agencies in the FCT at a total sum of N847, 139, 764.57,” he added.

Bello said the support given to the security agencies was in line with the FCT administration’s policy of aiding their work, so as to enhance security within the territory.

On recent attacks in some parts of the FCT, the minister assured residents that there were tremendous efforts by all relevant authorities to ensure that the FCT continues to enjoy lasting peace.

The Council (FEC) also approved the sum of $2.59 billion for the development of Badagry Seaport under a Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) arrangement.According to the  Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, it will be operated for a period of 45 years by the developers after whiich Nigerians will take over.

He added that during the PPP lifespan, the project is expected to provide about 200,000 jobs while generating a revenue of $56 billion.