Federal Government Explains Purchase of SUVs Worth N1.45bn for Niger Republic
Nigeria’s Federal Government on Wednesday reacted to public outcry about its support to Niger Republic through purchase of security vehicles saying its procurement of 10 security vehicles for the neighbouring country at a cost of N1.145 billion was in the overall interest of Nigeria.
According a report on arise.tv, there has been criticism over the Federal Government’s generosity to the neighbouring country as some have questioned why such money should be given to Niger Republic when public universities in Nigerian remain closed for about five months over the inability of the government to meet up with the demands of staff.
The outrage was generated by the measure exposed by a popular social media influencer, David Hundeyin.
Report had indicated that the President approved the release of the fund on the 22nd of February, 2022 while the contract to supply the 10 units of Toyoya Land Cruisers was awarded to IFO Kaura Motors Nig. Limited.
Commenting on the issue, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, argued that even 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 and act accordingly.
Answering reporters’ questions after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Buhari at the State House, Abuja, the Minister said Nigeria has a policy of assisting its neighbours to strengthen its capacity to deal with insecurity.
Her words: “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.
“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.
“It is to enhance their capacity to protect their countries, as it relates to security and also to Nigeria.”
She added that “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.
“I have said that this is not the first time and that Nigeria as a country has provided an intervention to our neighbours. It is in the best interest of Nigeria to do so”.
Speaking on the memo presented by her ministry at the council meeting, Ahmed said “Today (Wednesday), the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning presented a policy memo to Council and the memo is on the National Monitoring and Evaluation policy for the country.
“The policy defines a framework for the institutionalisation of the practice of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to promote good governance, learning and accountability for results that will contribute to improve socio-economic development of the country and enhance the wellbeing of citizens.
“The policy clarifies how M&E should be conducted in the country, specify the position, institutional and financial arrangements and the modalities for feedback, especially from citizens so that decision-makers can make effective use of evidence by government and stakeholders to inform policy strategies and investment.
“The council approved the memo. This M&E policy was developed in close collaboration with the states, development partners, academia and several experts and associations of monitoring and evaluation in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello said Council approved the procurement of utility vehicles and accessories worth N2.68 billion for use by security agencies in Abuja as recent breaches of security continue to heighten anxiety in the federal capital.
He explained that the procurement includes 60 Ford Ranger four-wheelers equipped with relevant gadgets, to be supplied by Coscharis motors, at a cost of N1.83 billion within two months.
