FG To Spend N6bn On 13m Identity Smart Cards

The Federal Government, yesterday, approved N6.4 billion for the importation of 13 million smart cards for registration of Nigerians under the new identity management system.

It also approved N4.34 billion for the purchase of two sets of modern five-Car Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) each with the capacity of 540 passengers and an additional six 60-seater air-conditioned passenger coaches for intra-city rail mass transit services.

In addition, it has concluded arrangement to open the Kano- Lagos standard rail line before this year’s Christmas celebration.

This was disclosed at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) briefing by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati. At the briefing with him were Ministers of FCT, Health, Transport, Communications Technology and Ministers of State for Power, Works and Foreign Affairs.

N13 billion has also been approved by President Jonathan to clear debts owed some of Nigeria’s foreign missions, according to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Viola Onwuliri.

Onwuliri said she briefed FEC of a landmark diplomatic agreement between Venezuela and Nigeria to allow transit and 90-day stay for holders of official and diplomatic passports of both countries.