The Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed, has shed light on the Federal Government’s purchase of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) worth N1.4 billion for the Niger Republic.
Addressing journalists at the Aso Rock Villa, Ahmed noted that the move was an intervention to help secure the Francophone country bordering Nigeria’s northwest region.
“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,” Ahmed said.
“This is not the first time that Nigeria has assisted the 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,” she added.
The Minister noted that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the memo after due consideration.
“It is to enhance their capacity to protect their countries, as it relates to security and also to Nigeria.”
“Nigerians have the right 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,” she said.
However, reactions have continued to trail the Federal Government’s move.
A civil society group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged the Nigerien government to return the N1.4 billion meant for the purchase of the SUVs.
“The Buhari administration must immediately ask Niger Republic authorities to refund the N1.4 billion approved for them to buy vehicles, and use the money to offset the funding for ASUU, so those poor children can go back to school,” the nonprofit organization tweeted.
