Nigerian ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), along with the Presidency, have spent at least N1.99 billion on foreign trips, training, and estacodes in France between May 2023 and September 2024.
The expenses come as the country grapples with high inflation, fiscal deficits, and a weakening naira, sparking outrage among citizens and opposition parties.
Data from GovSpend, a transparency platform by BudgIT, reveals that the funds were used for airfare, hotel accommodation, visa processing, training programmes, and business meetings. A substantial portion went to executive training and international conferences. One of the most significant expenses was N626.91 million, spent by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta for training and type rating of 35 cadet pilots in South Africa, France, and Nigeria.
The State House also recorded heavy spending, including N149.79 million for the First Lady’s trip to France in April 2024 and N6.29 million for a five-year multiple-entry visa for the Vice President. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) spent N41.09 million on multiple officials for business meetings with Airbus in Toulouse, France.
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“These trips are necessary for securing foreign investments,” argued Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar. However, critics say the funds could have been better used to address the nation’s pressing challenges.
Rising Costs Amid Economic Challenges
The spending spree comes amid a backdrop of economic challenges. The State House alone spent over N3.4 billion on local and foreign trips between June and December 2023. In the first three months of 2024, a further N5.24 billion was spent on travel expenses for President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Remi Tinubu.
Details show that N1.35 billion was used for presidential trips between January and March 2024, while N3.53 billion was spent on foreign currencies for 10 international trips.
Additionally, N637.85 million was paid to two travel agencies for air tickets. Opposition parties criticized the President’s frequent travels, accusing him of prioritizing foreign trips over domestic issues.
Minister Yusuf Tuggar defended the expenses, stating, “Nigeria has the money. How much does travelling cost compared to the benefits? The President’s trips are vital for attracting foreign investments and addressing the real sector of the economy.” Despite the defence, many Nigerians are demanding more transparency and accountability in public spending.
Growing Calls for Accountability
Civil society organizations and opposition parties have intensified calls for transparency, describing the spending as extravagant amid economic hardships. Critics argue that the funds could have been directed towards healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with the rising cost of living, these expenditures are both insensitive and alarming,” said a spokesperson for the opposition. According to BudgIT’s analysis, other notable expenses included N124.45 million by the Nigeria Football Federation for the Super Falcons’ trips for their Olympic Games qualifiers and N10.62 million by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for a G20 anti-corruption meeting in Paris.
With Nigeria’s economy under pressure, experts warn that unchecked spending could further strain public finances. They urge the government to adopt more stringent fiscal policies and prioritize spending that directly benefits the populace.
