Speaking on the controversial decision that has sparked outrage from Nigerians, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, while responding to questions from newsmen after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by the President at the State House, Abuja, said it’s to enhance Niger’s capacity to protect their country as relating to security.
She added that this is not the first time Nigeria is offering assistance to its neighboring countries.
Her words,
“Let me just say that overtime, 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 this is not the first time and that Nigeria as a country has provided an intervention to our neighbours. It is in the best interest of Nigeria to do so.”
