The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, on Wednesday, have give reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari, donated N1.4 billion worth of vehicles to neighbouring country, Niger Republic.

Nigerian Investigative Journalist, David Hundeyin, on Tuesday, published a document from the country’s budget office alleging that President Buhari approved the funds for the purchase of 10 Toyota land Cruiser jeeps.

Buhari is facing severe criticisms from Nigerians, as many have questioned why such money should be given to Niger Republic when public universities in Nigerian remained closed since February 2022.

The Minister of Finance said, the President has the liberty to access what is in the best interest of the country, adding that over time, Nigeria has been supporting her neighbours, also the donation was to enhance the capacity of Niger Republic to maintain security.

She said “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.

According to her, “This is not the first time that Nigeria had assisted Niger Republic, Cameroon or Chad, citing the 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.”