Ezekwesili, Sowore Slam Tinubu’s N2.3bn Spending On Foreign Trips Amid Economic Hardship

In the face of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has come under intense scrutiny for its significant spending on foreign trips, totaling over N2.3 billion in just six months.

This substantial expenditure has sparked widespread criticism from both citizens and public figures, who view it as a stark contradiction to the government’s repeated calls for austerity and sacrifice.

The spending has raised questions about the administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s economic woes and has further fueled public discontent.

Data from GovSpend, a BudgIT Foundation analytics platform, revealed that between February 21 and July 19, 2024, Tinubu’s administration spent N2,346,623,000 on foreign trips.

The report highlighted specific payments, including a N300 million expense on February 21, 2024, for presidential trips and related expenses. Additionally, on March 15, 2024, the State House paid N42,379,100 for the same purpose.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, voiced her disapproval, describing the spending as “fiscal rascality” at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a severe debt burden.

Ezekwesili’s criticism comes amid public outrage over the government’s perceived lavish spending. She accused the administration of “obscene indulgence” and luxury spending while ordinary Nigerians struggle.

She warned, “Something will have to give way someday soon because this level of unjust governance is frankly not sustainable.

“This level of unjust governance is unsustainable… The class war that members of the Nigerian political class are asking for as a result of their insensitivity to the plight of the people will, for sure, end their fiscal rascality.”

Supporting these concerns, African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also condemned the administration, particularly for acquiring a new presidential jet, an Airbus A330, while Nigerians continue to face severe economic hardships.

Sowore also accused the government of indulging in luxury purchases, such as jets and bulletproof vehicles, while neglecting to address the pressing issues facing the country.

“Nigerian leaders are more focused on satisfying their own interests than resolving the nation’s problems.

“Tinubu said one year isn’t enough for Nigerians to enjoy a better country, but look at what he bought for himself in just one year: yacht, jet, bulletproof Escalade, mansion for VP.”

As Nigeria continues to face economic challenges, calls for accountability and responsible governance are growing louder. The alleged lavish spending by the Tinubu administration has only intensified public frustration, with critics warning that continued fiscal irresponsibility could exacerbate social unrest.