The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the procurement of 10 vehicles worth N1.14 billion for the Niger Republic.
Gatekeepers News reports that the donation has generated reactions from several Nigerians after a document surfaced on social media about the allocation.
According to the document, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation paid for supply of ten Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vehicles to Niger Republic after President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval.
Responding to the reactions trailing the donation, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed said the vehicles were procured to enhance Niger Republic’s capacity to secure its country.
She made the revelation after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday.
The minister added that Nigeria has a policy of assisting its neighbouring countries.
Ahmed said even though Nigerians have the right to question, President 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.”
