The Aliko Dangote Foundation on Wednesday in Abuja donated 150 operational cars to the Nigeria Police Force.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, described the donation as the single biggest gift ever by a private sector operator to the police, a statement by the foundation said.

Speaking during the formal handover of the cars at an event attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; ministers and state governors, the Chairman, ADF, Aliko Dangote, explained that the gesture was informed by the fact that security was essential to economic development.

Depending on how well the vehicles are maintained, Dangote promised that his foundation might donate another batch of vehicles in the near future.

“Today, we are deepening our intervention in security with the donation of these 150 fully kitted operational vehicles to the police force. These vehicles will support the Nigeria Police Force in surveillance, crime prevention and promote law and order,” the statement quoted Dangote as saying.

Osinbajo lauded the foundation for the rare gesture and expressed the Federal Government’s appreciation to the business mogul for his untiring support, adding that the cars would assist the police in combating crimes across the country.

Osinbajo described Dangote as a rare entrepreneur who had done so much to grow the Nigerian economy.

He said the government needed people like Dangote to join hands with it to grow the economy and also provide jobs for the youth.

Government’s role, he added, was to provide the enabling environment, while the private sector takes advantage of the opportunities that abounds in the country to grow and develop the economy.

“The donation of 150 cars to the Nigerian Police Force is laudable and we thank Aliko Dangote Foundation for this rare gesture; that is characteristic of the person of Aliko Dangote. He has shown over the years to be an entrepreneur with a difference, a man that gives willingly to the poor,” Osinbajo said.

Describing the donation as the single largest by any private individual in the country, the Vice President urged other Nigerians to join hands with the Federal Government to effectively secure the country as well as develop the economy.