*Defends N1.4bn purchase for Niger Republic
By Ochioha 2
The Federal Government plans to purchase 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 Territory (FCT).
The approval for the purchase was given on Wednesday by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its weekly meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Same day, the Government confirmed that Buhari approved a purchase of security vehicles worth N1.14 billion for the government of the neighbouring Niger Republic to tackle insecurity within its borders.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, explained that the procurement for Abuja security agencies includes 60 Ford Ranger four-wheelers equipped with relevant gadgets, to be supplied by Coscharis Motors, at a cost of N1.83bn within two months.
The second part of the contract is for E&S Tech. Ltd. to supply various gadgets and accessories to support security agencies in the FCT, at a cost of N847.13million.
The Minister also said that although the approval was a regular gesture from government, it coincided with the aftermath of recent unprecedented security challenges in Abuja, including a major prison break and attack on presidential guards by terrorists.
Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, who confirmed a viral social media report that Buhari approved N1.14 billion for similar security vehicles for Nigeria Republic, argued that although Nigerians had the right to be livid about it, the President also had right of approval of such for security situations and to act accordingly.
She equally explained that Nigeria has a policy of assisting its neighbours to strengthen their capacity to deal with insecurity so that it does not spill into Nigeria.
The social media report contained in a post by journalist, David Hundeyi, showed that the President approved the release of the fund for the contract on the 22nd of February this year.
The contract is to supply 10 units of Toyota Land Cruisers by a Nigerian motor dealer, Kaura Motors Nig. Limited for the use of the government of Niger Republic.
