By Ben Agande
Abuja — The Federal Executive Council, FEC, yesterday,  approved contracts totalling N12.14billion for maritime security as well as for the provision of boats to ease movement along the country’s coastal areas.

A breakdown of the contract indicates that N8.325 billion was earmarked for land reclamation in Abam-Nnuju-Igbiri-Oba-Ojimba-Okujagu-Ama water front and resident supervision consultancy services work.

Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, who briefed State House correspondents after yesterday’s meeting alongside his Transport colleague, Senator Idris Umar, said of the amount, N3.238 billion was for the purchase of six security boats. He added and that N1.48 billion ($9.43m) was for the purchase of two 17 manta MK ASD  and one 32M manta MK ASD worth  N1.57 billion ($10.451m).

He said the purchase of three fast moving security boats was approved for  N233.625 million while another N321.510 million was for the procurement of four fast moving 40-45 passengers’ water bus to ease movement of people around the country.

Other approval by the council was N236.666 million for the procurement of 12/10 cutter suctions dredger with ancillary equipment.

Explaining the rational for the contracts, Senator Idris said there was a compelling need to beef up security around the country’s coastal areas in line with international guidelines and security regime required for enhanced comfort to shipping.

On the land reclamation, Umar noted that government was committed to reversing the situation where sea erosion had claimed a substantial part of the Okrika land mass.

He said when completed, the project  would significantly address the rural poverty with presence for infrastructural development.

Speaking on the passengers’ boat, the minister said it was aimed at  promoting movement along inland water ways.