The Nigerian National Assembly revealed it has approved extra-budgetary funding for modern equipment to boost Nigeria’s chances in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.
This was disclosed by President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan at the graduation dinner for the National Defence College (NDC) Course 29 Participants on Wednesday in Abuja, represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Sen. Aliyu Wamak.
The Senate President assured that extra funding would be used to procure Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (CIEDs), intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance and communication equipment.
What the Senate President said
The Senate President said that the Federal Government will continue to encourage a culture of creativity and intelligence risk-taking by reforming not only the armed forces but also, the institutions and departments that serve them
“We are promoting sustainable approach to developing military capabilities, which encourages people to be proactive and not reactive which anticipates threats before they emerge.
“Mr President insists on a total defeat of criminals as part of agenda to secure territories.
“The Federal Government has been working tirelessly with governments of our contiguous neighbours to strengthen the regional security framework,” he said.
He added that the legislature places a premium on the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of personnel of our Armed Forces which are on the front lines bearing the burden of emerging security challenges and will continue to ensure that the armed forces are adequately empowered and their operations are more closely scrutinised to improve performances.
“Be assured that the legislature has been working closely with other arms of government, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that members of the Armed Forces are adequately equipped, motivated and trained in these respects,” he said.
What you should know
Recall Nairametrics reported in June that the Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed disclosed the FEC approved a supplementary budget of N895 billion that would be for insecurity, covid-19, vaccines and others.
