The Federal Government on Wednesday justified its procurement of 10 security vehicles for Niger Republic early this year at a sum of N1.145 billion.

Speaking 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 capacity to deal with insecurity.

The Finance Minister said: “Let me just say that overtime, Nigeria has had to support its neighbors especially the immediate neighbors to enhance their capacity to secure their countries as it relates to us. This is not the first time that Nigeria had assisted 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.

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“It is to enhance their capacity to protect their countries, as it relates to security and also to Nigeria.”

Report had indicated that the President had 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.

Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to the social media to condemn the gesture describing the procurement as a total disregard for citizens.

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