Amid outrage, FG justifies purchase of N1.145 billion vehicle for Niger Republic

The Federal Government justified the approval of the sum of N1,145,000,000 for the purchase of vehicles for the Republic of Niger.

Following outrage over the measure exposed by David Hundeyin on social media on Wednesday, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed argued that while Nigerians have the right to question President Muhammadu Buhari, who approved the purchase, the President also has the prerogative to make his own judgment on the situations and to act in the interests of the country.

The document released by Hundeyin shows that the president approved the release of the fund on February 22 this year.

He revealed that the contract to supply the 10 units of Toyota Land Cruisers had been awarded to IFO Kaura Motors Nig. Limit.

Responding to questions on the matter, Ms. Ahmed said it was Nigeria's policy to help its neighbors build their capacity to deal with insecurity.

When asked why the Federal Government was buying the vehicles for another country despite Nigeria's economic situation, the Minister of Finance replied, "Let me say that over time, Nigeria has had to support its neighbours, especially the immediate neighbors, to build their capacity to secure their country as far as we are concerned. This is not the first time that Nigeria has assisted the Republic of Niger, Cameroon or Chad.

"The chair assesses what is needed based on the request of its chairs. These requests are approved and interventions are provided.

"It's about building their capacity to protect their country, in terms of security and also Nigeria."

When told that Nigerians were complaining about the action, Ms. Ahmed replied, "Nigerians have a right to ask questions, but the president also has a responsibility to make an assessment of what is in the best interest of the country and I cannot question the decision myself.

"I said this is not the first time and Nigeria as a country is intervening with our neighbours. It is in Nigeria's interest to do so.

She said her ministry had presented a note to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy for the country.

She explained, "The policy sets out a framework for institutionalizing the practice of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to promote good governance, learning and accountability for results that will contribute to improve the socio-economic development of the country and improve the well-being of citizens.

"The policy clarifies how M&E should be conducted in the country, specifies the position, institutional and financial arrangements and modalities for feedback, especially from citizens, so that decision makers can effectively use evidence by government and stakeholders to inform policy strategies and investments.

“The Board endorsed the memo. This M&E policy was developed in close consultation with States, development partners, academia and several monitoring and evaluation experts and associations in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, to mark Independence Day commemorated on August 3, the Republic of Niger on Wednesday honored six Nigerians – two presidential aides, two businessmen and two state governors with their national honors in recognition of their role in promoting better relations between the two brotherly states.

A statement released by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), informed that the day is set aside to mark the nation's independence from France in 1960 and since 1975 has recognized as "tree planting day" as trees are planted across the country to help combat desertification.

In presenting the awards, President Mohammed Bazoum said his country cherishes Nigeria as one of its closest neighbors and friends. The Presidential Honorees are the President's Senior Special Assistant (Household and Interior Affairs), Sarki Abba, and Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure.

The businessmen who received the honors are Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabi'u. The two governors are Alhaji Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State and Mohammed Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State. They were decorated with the “Order of Merit of Niger, Grand Master of National Awards”.

In various quotes read by the country's leader, President Bazoum, he hailed the efforts of the "Nigerian brothers" who have made great strides in increasing understanding between the two nations and acting as agents of social and economic development.

Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Bagudu was one of those to grace the occasion.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE TITLES FROM