The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has approved N805.7 million to purchase equipment to enhance security at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, briefed journalists after a virtual FEC meeting presided over by Mr Osinbajo on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“You will recall that from 2011 upwards, there have been various attacks on federal government institutions and even multilateral institutions just like UN headquarters building.

“Consequent upon those attacks in 2011, 2014, 2018, the federal government set up what is called ‘Vulnerability Assessment Committee’ to see how we can better protect ministries, departments, and agencies,” said Mr Mohammed.

At the meeting, the EFCC presented to the council a memo seeking approval for the procurement of “four sets of automatic and static anti-crash system with automatic scanners and other accessories.”

Other items included 900 linear metres fence intrusion detection system, human screening equipment, four workflow metal detectors, two hand-held metal scanners, one luggage scanner, and three hand-held explosive trace detectors.

“All at a value of N805.7 million inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT with the completion period of 12 weeks,” disclosed the information minister.

On approving over N300 million to purchase vehicles for the Federal Civil Service Commission, Mr Mohammed explained, “You know we have 16 members of the FCSC. The chairman and 15 commissioners representing the states. They normally embark on extensive advocacy visits and routine oversight functions to ministries, departments, and agencies across the country.

“So, they asked for a replacement of the old unserviceable vehicles, and council duly approved they purchase one Toyota land cruiser, V8, and 15 Toyota Rush all at a total of N336 million.”