The Federal Government has stated that five Northern States will be getting N50 billion in security votes, News About Nigeria reports.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this while speaking at a two-day round table discussion on insecurity in Northern Nigeria, noting that it has been approved by President Bola Tinubu.
He noted that the N50bn is to be used in the Pulaaku Initiative”, which translates to shy in the Fulani, and it is a non-kinetic solution to deal with insurgency and banditry in the North.
Speaking during his opening address, Shettima, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Hadeija, noted that the approved initiative will commence in five Northern states: Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna, adding that it will accelerate the fortunes of the northern region.
Shettima further noted that the Roundtable, which was organised by the Coalition of Northern Groups with the theme “Multi-Dimensional Approach to Tackling Insecurity in Northern Nigeria, was to embark on a transformative journey to address the root causes of the challenges faced in the North.
He maintained that the initiative will enhance the living conditions and livelihoods of those in the selected states, adding that the construction of residences, roads, schools and other essential facilities will soon begin.
He assured the people that the government will not favour any region above the other, stressing that every part of the country is equal to the rest and that the government will treat the needs of each region critically.
He also noted that the government is committed to addressing insecurity in the country, stating that the bulk of the 2024 budget was allocated to insecurity.
