TRIBUNE ONLINE
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved credit facilities to enhance the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force, including €443 million and $141 million for the procurement of fighter aircraft and ammunition.
This announcement was made, on Wednesday, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Idris explained that the approval was requested by the Federal Ministry of Finance, which is currently represented by the Minister on official duty in the United States.
In addition to the fighter aircraft procurement, the FEC also authorized several contracts totaling approximately N44.2 billion for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
He highlighted key approvals made during the meeting, including a credit facility of €443,330,781.49 and $141 million for the purchase of six M346 fighter aircraft and ammunition for the Nigerian Air Force.
Approval was given for agreements aimed at eliminating double taxation and preventing tax evasion with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and the Republic of Botswana.
Additionally, the FEC approved N78.35 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of two water supply projects: the Buruku/Gboko Water Supply Project in Benue State and the Greater Dutse Water Supply Project in Jigawa State.
Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, shared details about these projects, which will serve over 1.5 million people in Jigawa and 506,000 in Benue. Both projects will utilize solar energy systems to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
