FG to rebuild churches, mosques destroyed by insurgents, to bear major cost of MNJTF

Abuja — President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to offset the pledge of $100 million (about N21.5 billion) for the funding of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as promised by the Nigerian government.

Nigeria had made the commitment under former President Goodluck Jonathan to provide the task force with the funds in supporting its operation.

Speaking at an Extra-Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, President Buhari also canvassed that Nigeria permanently command the task force until Boko Haram insurgency is defeated and not six monthly as recommended by other countries in the commission.

Buhari told the leaders: “I hereby reassure you that my government will keep faith with this promise.”

Making a case for Nigeria to command the MNJTF, President Buhari said leaders should jettison the call for Nigeria to take charge of the command struct.