The federal government on Wednesday approved the sum of N240.2 million for the procurement of 44 IVM G5 jeeps for the 37 chairmen of the states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) coordination and implementation committees of the community services, women and youth employment projects of SURE-P.
The approval made at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan followed a memorandum brought by Labour Minister, Chief Emeka Nwogu seeking council’s approval for the award of contract for the direct procurement of the said 44 IVM G5 jeeps.
Briefing State House correspondents after FEC meeting, Nwogu said there was a budgetary provision in the 2013 appropriation for the project, noting that it became imperative for the 44 chairmen of the state and FCT Coordination and Implementation Commission (SCIC) of the Community Services, Women and Youths Employment (CSWYE) project of SURE-P and the Implementation Unit (FPIU) at the headquarters to get these vehicles.
“To effectively implement this project, it becomes important that utility vehicles are procured which will enhance monitoring and supervision of the community services,women and youths employment activities at the state and local government levels nationwide,” the minister noted.
He added that the choice of Messrs Innoson Vehicle Manufacturer Company Limited which the contract was awarded in favour was in line with the federal government policy to patronise locally manufactured vehicles through direct procurement method of the said vehicles.
“After deliberations, council approved the award of the contract in the sum of N240.2million inclusive of VAT with a completion period of one week,” Nwogu announced.
He, however, dispelled the question as to whether the procurement of the vehicles at this electoral period has any partisan implication, as some Nigerians from the opposition extraction might interpret the purchase of the vehicles to mean that they would be used for electioneering campaigns.
Source: Leadership
