Fresh N722 billion supplementary budget component to tackle insecurity

Of the N895b supplementary budget sent for National Assembly approval, not less than N722 billion will cover security and defence purposes.

And, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the supplementary budget is intended to enhance the capacity of the military and other security agencies as part of the concerted efforts of the Federal Government to beef up its response to the nation’s security challenges.

Recall that in a letter read at the National Assembly last Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari explained to the federal lawmakers that he needs the extra N895 billion for security use and health related matters.

His words in the letter, “… . In addition, our security and law enforcement agencies urgently need to procure additional equipment and other resources in response to the prevalent security challenges across the country. 

“The Ministry of Defence has carefully scrutinized these procurement needs, which the military authorities claim to represent the minimum requirements to secure our country and address current external and internal security challenges…. 

We propose to fund the balance of N722.40 billion for capital expenditure on defence/security and capital supplementation from new borrowings, in the absence of any supplementary revenue sources. 

“Understandably, needs currently abound in many other sectors. However, we have limited the supplementary budget proposal to just these critical and emergency areas of need due to our severe fiscal constraints.”

Prof. Osinbajo confirmed the purpose of the huge security and defence expenditures on Wednesday evening when he received in Abuja the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye.

The Vice President further stated that traditional rulers, local and state governments must also collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling insecurity.

He said, “the President has recently constituted a committee that will look at the whole security infrastructure with a view to looking at the needs of the military, as well as the police and security agencies.

“The result of that is a bill before the National Assembly, a supplementary bill. The purpose of that bill is to present some of the needs of the military, as well as of security agencies in order to be able to beef up our response to the security challenges.

“We have to keep looking at how to support our (security) services to ensure that our country is safe. I can assure you that soon, the issue of insecurity will be a thing of the past, and that we will all live in peace and prosperity in this country.”

According to the VP, even as the Federal Government is very concerned, and will continue to ramp up efforts towards improving security nationwide, community efforts is also vital in tackling the issue from the roots.

He said, “there is no question at all that, at the level of community, we need to take decisive action, because most of these things occur in our community level.

“And I’m very happy to hear that you have a committee organised for the purpose of this (tackling insecurity) and that you’ve been able to contain the menace that we see in different parts of the country in your community.

“Any country with this number of security challenges must respond as robustly as possible. But it is also important to bear in mind that it takes a combined effort of all of us, at the local government level, state and federal levels; all of the levels; we need to come together to tackle this issue of insecurity.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that the Federal Government will provide necessary support to the community in tackling its challenges, adding that the FG is also working with the Ekiti State government on dealing with insecurity, as well as various issues.

In his remarks, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, thanked the VP for granting them audience and listening to their demands, including support for the establishment of a Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in the community.

Oba Ajakaiye said, “Again, as a community, we have come to appreciate you (Vice President) for your diligence, hard work, commitment and loyalty; and that, we from the South West, are very proud of you. We want to assure you that we are very much in support of you. From our own end, we are doing a lot to ensure that the menace of insecurity will not remain in our domain.”

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele were also present at the meeting.