The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to seek a refund of the N1.4 billion paid to Niger Republic officials.
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Zainab Ahmed confirmed the federal government’s approval of N1.4 billion for the “supply of 10 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vehicles to the Republic of Niger.”
According to her, Nigeria has always provided such assistance to its neighbors, including Chad, Cameroon, and others.
“Let me just say that, over time, Nigeria has had to assist its neighbors, particularly its immediate neighbors, in strengthening their capacity to secure their countries in relation to us.” This is not the first time Nigeria has stepped in to help the Niger Republic, Cameroon, or Chad.
“The President assesses what is needed based on the request of their Presidents.” Such requests are granted, and interventions are made available. It is to strengthen their capacity to protect their countries in terms of security, as well as Nigeria.”
“Nigerians have the right to ask questions,” Ahmed continued, “but the President also has the responsibility to make an assessment of what is in the best interests of the country, and I cannot question the decision.”
Many Nigerians, however, were outraged by this distribution of funds.
“The Buhari administration must immediately ask Niger Republic authorities to refund the N1.4 billion approved for them to buy vehicles, and use the money to offset ASUU funding, so those poor children can go back to school,” SERAP tweeted.
Nigerian university students have been absent since the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) declared a strike in February.
