Presidency, MDAs Spend N1.9bn on Travel and Training in France

Recent reports indicate that Nigerian Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), along with the Presidency, have collectively expended approximately ₦1.9 billion on international travel and training programs in France.

Breakdown of Expenditures:

Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta: Allocated ₦626.91 million for the training and type rating of 35 cadet pilots across South Africa, France, and Nigeria.
State House: Incurred ₦149.79 million for foreign exchange related to the First Lady’s trip to France on April 1, 2024. Additionally, ₦6.29 million was spent in March 2024 for processing a five-year multiple-entry visa for the Vice President.
National Merit Award: Disbursed ₦15.5 million as advance payment for course fees for eight participants attending a training program in Paris from May 14 to 20, 2023.
Centre for Management Development: Spent ₦34.3 million to facilitate training in France for six officials, with each receiving ₦5.71 million.
Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO): The Director-General, Adamu Jummai, had an executive program in Paris that was fully funded.
National Directorate of Employment (NDE): Former Director-General, Nuhu Fikpo, also benefited from a fully funded executive program in Paris.
Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT): Allocated ₦41.09 million for multiple officials, including Technical Adviser Temitope Yoosuf, to attend business meetings with Airbus in Toulouse, France. CEO Jane Egerton-Idehen and Head of Corporate Affairs Aisha Bantam were funded with ₦11.88 million and ₦5.65 million, respectively, to participate in the World Space Business Week in Paris.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF): Spent ₦124.45 million on flight tickets for Super Falcons players traveling between America, France, Spain, and Nigeria for their Olympic Games qualifier against Ethiopia.
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC): Incurred ₦10.62 million for airfare for three officials attending the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting in Paris.
Fiscal Responsibility Commission: Disbursed ₦7.90 million for an officer’s participation in the 2023 International Bar Association Conference in France.