The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the procurement of utility vehicles, security gadgets, and accessories to support security agencies operating within the FCT at the sum of N1.835 billion.
Giving details of the purchase after the FEC meeting on Wednesday, the Minister of the FCT, Mohammed Bello, disclosed that 60 utility vehicles with communication gadgets will be bought at that amount and delivered within two months.
Additionally, the FCT minister noted that the Council approved the supply of various security gadgets and accessories to support security agencies in the nation’s capital at a total sum of N847.1 million.
The two procurements amount to N2.68 billion.
In the same vein, the Council also confirmed the purchase of vehicles worth N1.4 billion for the Niger Republic.
Finance, Budget, and National Planning Minister, Zainab Ahmed, told the press that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the purchase which is part of efforts to help the Niger Republic boost its fight against insecurity.
She explained that the President, whose actions she cannot question, has the right to make his own assessment of situations and give directives accordingly.
According to her, the financial support, primarily for the purpose of enhancing capacity to protect their territory, is based on a request by the Nigerien Government and is also in the best interest of the country.
Her comment came hours after independent journalist, David Hundeyin, posted the photo of a budget office document detailing the payment, questioning why the government’s move.
The confirmation from the Federal Government has, however, triggered a wave of condemnation from Nigerians with many faulting the move.