Federal Govt approves N278bn equipment to clear water weeds

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved the procurement of one water weed clearing multi-purpose equipment for N278.1bn.

The cost includes payable taxes, $1.3bn and additional N73.6bn. The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who stated this while briefing State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting, said the procurement was aimed at improving safety on the inland waterways.

He added that the equipment would aid navigation and boost economic activities in the various riverside communities across the country.

The minister said it would also rid the waterways of hyacinth and other aquatic weeds.

“The project will increase economic activities within the coastal areas and prevent boat mishaps. The project will create job opportunities for 15 skilled and nine unskilled Nigerians during the period of its execution,” he said. - Punch News