The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved about N4 billion for the procurement of air ambulance for National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Briefing State House correspondents after FEC meeting, Information Minister Labaran Maku said the jet is to enhance NEMA's capacity to manage emergency situations in the country.

The air ambulance has a total cost of $23 million and local currency content of N909 million.

Maku said "FEC approved purchase of an air ambulance fitted with emergency facilities to enable the agency take prompt action during emergencies.

The ambulance to help with evacuation of victims in terms of emergency situation."

While explaining specification of the jet, Director General of NEMA, Mohammed Sani Sidi, said the air ambulance accommodates two patients at a time and can fly non-stop from Nigeria to any part of Europe.

FEC also approved rehabilitation of the United Nations building in Abuja which was bombed last year.

Speaking on the project, FCT Minister Bala Mohammed said, "a section has to be rebuilt while the other part is to be rehabilitated. The contract is awarded to Julius Berger."

The council has also approved a national council for the Niger Delta ministry.

Minister of State Niger Delta Darius Ishaku said the council is to serve as an advisory body to the ministry.