President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Remi Tinubu have collectively spent N5.24 billion on local and international travel between January and March 2024, according to GovSpend, a civic tech platform monitoring government expenditures. The breakdown includes N1.35 billion for presidential trips, N3.53 billion for foreign exchange during 10 international trips, and N637.85 million for air tickets via two travel agencies, excluding allowances for the President’s entourage.
In addition, N12.59 billion was allocated for maintaining the presidential air fleet over the same period. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has spent N3.4 billion on travel, 36% more than the N2.49 billion budgeted for 2023, bringing the total travel expenditure to N8.64 billion between June 2023 and March 2024. The president also received N650 million as an honorarium.
Public concern is growing over the frequent travels, with many questioning their tangible benefits. In their first seven months, Tinubu and Shettima visited 16 countries, spending a combined 91 days abroad. Tinubu’s trips included visits to France, the UK, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Benin Republic, India, UAE, USA, Saudi Arabia, and Germany, totaling 55 days, while Shettima spent 36 days in Italy, Russia, South Africa, Cuba, China, and the US in 2023.
Financial expert Olorunfemi Idris pointed out the potential benefits of these trips, such as strengthened diplomatic ties and secured investments in infrastructure and energy projects. However, he highlighted the significant costs, which could detract from essential sectors like healthcare and education. Idris emphasized that the effectiveness of these trips hinges on their outcomes and the follow-up actions taken.
Professor of Economics Cletus Agu underscored the importance of judicious spending, arguing that substantial travel expenses are justified if they yield significant economic benefits. Economist Dr. Akin Akinleye urged the government to cut unnecessary expenses in light of the country’s economic challenges, advising that only trips with clear economic benefits should be undertaken.
