President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to spend a total of ₦6.1 billion on international travel in 2025, according to figures detailed in the approved national budget for the year.
Additionally, ₦873 million has been allocated for his domestic travel, bringing the total expenditure for the President’s movement—both within and outside Nigeria—to ₦7 billion.
Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima’s 2025 travel budget includes ₦1.314 billion for international trips and ₦417.488 million for domestic travel, further adding to the government’s travel expenses.
Growing Scrutiny Over Presidential Travel Costs
Gists9ja reports that these allocations come amid mounting public concern over the financial burden of presidential travel, particularly given Nigeria’s current economic challenges and limited revenue. Critics argue that such expenditures appear excessive at a time when the country is grappling with inflation, rising debt, and declining purchasing power.
A review of government spending in 2024 sheds light on the scale of previous travel expenses. Data from the Open Treasury Portal revealed that the Tinubu administration spent ₦36 billion on international travel alone during the 2024 fiscal year.
A breakdown of these expenses from the State House Headquarters indicated that:
- ₦12.2 billion was allocated to “international travel and transport (training).”
- ₦24.19 billion went towards “international travel and transport (other).”
Overall, the total travel expenditure for 2024, covering both local and international trips, stood at a staggering ₦83 billion.
- ₦15.8 billion was spent on “local travel and transport (training).”
- ₦31.2 billion was allocated for “local travel and transport (other).”
Minister Defends Presidential Trips, Citing Economic Gains
Despite criticisms, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has defended the administration’s frequent international engagements, arguing that such trips are necessary for attracting foreign investments and strengthening diplomatic ties.
Speaking in a live interview on Channels TV, Tuggar asserted that Nigeria has the resources to support even more travel for President Tinubu and his cabinet. He emphasized the economic benefits of these trips, citing a $2 million investment deal secured during a visit to Brazil. This deal, according to Tuggar, aims to develop Nigeria’s livestock sector while addressing the herders-farmers conflict.
He further noted that other countries are competing for similar investment opportunities, and Nigeria must remain actively engaged on the global stage.
High Travel Costs in 2024: A Recap
Concerns over the cost of presidential travel intensified in August 2024, following reports by SaharaReporters that President Tinubu had spent ₦2.3 billion on international trips and related expenses within a six-month period.
According to data from GovSpend, compiled by BudgIT Foundation, the Nigerian government disbursed ₦2.346 billion for foreign trips between February 21 and July 19, 2024.
Specific payments made by the State House Headquarters in Abuja included:
- ₦300 million in January 2024
- ₦250 million in February 2024
- Several payments exceeding ₦9 million on March 15, 2024
- ₦350 million in May 2024
- ₦350 million in July 2024
Additionally, records show that between February 24 and March 15, 2024, the government allocated over ₦2.9 billion in foreign exchange to facilitate trips for President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. These trips included visits to Ethiopia, Switzerland, Liberia, France, Côte d’Ivoire, and other countries.
Public Reaction and Calls for Accountability
Public reaction to these travel expenses has been mixed. While government officials maintain that these trips are vital for securing investments and international partnerships, critics argue that the costs are excessive and should be curtailed, especially in light of Nigeria’s pressing economic struggles.
As the 2025 fiscal year approaches, calls for greater transparency and accountability in government spending, particularly on travel-related expenses, continue to grow. Whether these budgetary allocations will translate into tangible economic benefits remains a subject of debate among Nigerians.
