As many Nigerians express shock at the Federal Government purchase of N1,145,000,000.00 vehicles for Niger Republic, in spite of the gruelling economic situations at home, Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, has explained the reason President Muhammadu Buhari gave the approval.
The Buhari government had also approved the extension of railway to the Nigerian Republic, though the facility is built with loans, but Ahmed said Buhari reserved the right to decide on such matters.
Journalist and social media influencer, David Hundeyin, had exposed the Federal Government’s gift to Niger Republic.
Speaking on the matter on Wednesday, Ahmed said it was not the first time the country was providing such interventions to her neighbours.
She added: “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 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.
“Nigerians have the rights 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 neighbors. It is in the best interest of Nigeria to do so.”
