Rita Odafe
An investigative report has unveiled that the cost of President Bola Tinubu’s trip to the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, totalled N1.041 billion.
The excessive expenditures incurred by the Tinubu government have been criticized in the report by Sahara Reporters.
This trip occurred in February 2024.
Documents show that on February 9, 2024, over N1.041 billion was disbursed for the President’s journey to Ethiopia.
This revelation comes amidst growing calls for a reduction in government spending.
Additionally, from February 24 to March 15, 2024, the Presidency documented N650 million allocated for “presidential honorarium and transportation.”
Thus, over a period of 21 days, the Presidential honorarium amounted to N650 million.
An honorarium is granted as a token of appreciation for services rendered without a mandatory fee. It symbolizes gratitude rather than obligatory payment.
In January 2024, reports indicated that the President reduced travel delegations by 60% to cut down on expenses. The potential cost of the Ethiopian trip without the reduced delegation remains unknown.
Previously, SaharaReporters highlighted how the Tinubu administration spent N473 million on First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s trips to Mozambique, the United Kingdom, and Ethiopia.
The country’s insufficient revenue generation has raised concerns, emphasizing the need for enhanced fiscal management and economic growth strategies.
Labor unions have demanded a minimum wage increase, a contentious issue as the government cites financial constraints for its inability to comply.
SaharaReporters has exposed the Tinubu administration for non-compliance with regulatory obligations by omitting quarterly budget performance reports, depriving citizens of crucial financial information and weakening transparency and accountability.
