News
Presidency spends N34bn on international travel in two years
The figure is according to data compiled from GovSpend, a government spending tracker managed by BudgIT.
The records, which cover transactions by the State House, Presidential Air Fleet, the Office of the Chief of Staff, and operations linked to the President, Vice President, First Lady, and their aides, show a sharp swing in spending patterns between 2024 and 2025.
An analysis of the data shows that 2024 accounted for the bulk of the expenditure, with total forex purchases of N29.35bn, while 2025 recorded N5.04bn.
This represents a year-on-year decline of 82.8 per cent, aligning with broader trends in the foreign exchange market where the naira stabilised following policy reforms and improved dollar inflows.
The transactions largely relate to the purchase of foreign currencies for official trips, aviation operations, estacodes, training programmes, and logistics for international engagements involving top executive officials.
While the Presidency has maintained that such trips are necessary for diplomacy, investment promotion and bilateral relations, the scale and timing of the spending have continued to draw public scrutiny amid Nigeria’s fiscal constraints and forex shortages.
In 2024, forex purchases were heavily concentrated in the first half of the year, coinciding with a period of heightened exchange rate volatility and sustained pressure on the naira.
One of the most prominent spenders during the year was the Presidential Air Fleet, which alone accounted for several multi-billion-naira transactions described as “presidential air fleet forex transit funds.”
The Presidential Air Fleet, managed by the Nigerian Air Force, is responsible for the air transport needs of the President, Vice President, and senior government officials.
Despite its strategic role, the cost of maintaining the fleet has long been a subject of public scrutiny and criticism, particularly amid Nigeria’s fiscal pressures and rising debt service obligations.
Between March and May 2024, the Presidential Air Fleet Naira Transit Account recorded repeated purchases of about N1.27bn each on March 7, March 9, April 6, May 11 and May 25, alongside larger tranches such as N5.08bn on April 23 and N2.43bn on May 8.
These aviation-related transactions show the high cost of maintaining and deploying the presidential fleet for overseas travel.
Additional transfers of N205m in July, N34m, N1.25bn, N2.21bn, N160.4m, N1.24bn and N902.9m in August further swelled the air fleet’s forex bill.
Smaller amounts followed later in the year, including payments in September and December, bringing the air fleet’s cumulative forex-linked transactions in 2024 into several billions of naira.
Beyond aviation, the State House Headquarters also recorded extensive forex purchases throughout 2024.
In February alone, the State House spent over N2.5bn on forex linked directly to specific presidential and vice-presidential trips.
These included N426.88m for the Vice President’s trip to Switzerland, N1.04bn for the President’s trip to Ethiopia, N750m for the President’s trip to Dubai, N176.77m for the Vice President’s trip to Côte d’Ivoire, N149.79m for the First Lady’s trip to France, and N86.76m for the Vice President’s trip to Liberia.
March 2024 saw further spending tied to foreign travel by the First Lady and Vice President. Transactions included N202.39m for the First Lady’s trip to Mozambique, N144.57m for her trip to Addis Ababa, and N126.30m for a trip to London.
The Vice President’s engagements also featured, with N201.12m spent on a trip to Côte d’Ivoire and N169.54m for estacodes linked to UK and US training programmes.
From July 2024, forex purchases by the State House intensified, with multiple same-day transactions on July 17 alone.
These included N149.05m, N358.53m, N243.32m, N739.07m, and N73.07m, all tagged as forex purchases.
Additional payments were made on July 23, August 6, October 11, and October 28, with notable amounts of N569.68m, N323.14m, N246.80m, and a significant N1.36bn on October 28.
By the final quarter of 2024, spending remained elevated. In November, the State House Operations – President recorded several purchases, including N22.19m, N18.34m, N169.10m and N185.23m on November 28. December added another N736.20m on December 1, reinforcing the pattern of sustained forex demand by the Presidency throughout the year.
Cumulatively, these transactions pushed total forex purchases linked to the Presidency in 2024 to N29.35bn, making it one of the most expensive years for official foreign travel and related forex spending in recent times.
The reduction was broad-based, cutting across the Presidency, Vice Presidency and supporting offices.
Transactions in 2025 were also generally smaller in size and more sporadic, suggesting a deliberate effort to rein in forex outflows.
Data from April 30, 2025, show multiple forex purchases by State House Operations – President and Vice President, but most were in the tens of millions rather than billions of naira.
Amounts such as N535.82m, N57.94m, N32.51m, N57.81m and N23.67m dominated the April transactions.
Even the larger figures recorded in mid-2025, including N1.29bn, N1.28bn and N626m linked to the Presidential Air Fleet, were fewer and spread over several months.
By the second half of 2025, forex purchases had tapered further. August transactions included N7.67m and N11.14m, while November and December recorded modest payments by the Office of the Chief of Staff and the Presidential Air Fleet.
The overall pattern points to tighter controls and possibly improved planning around official travel as the naira stabilised in 2025.
The naira ended 2025 on a firmer note, closing at N1,429/$1 on December 31.
This was a 7.4 per cent appreciation from the N1,535/$1 recorded on the final trading day of 2024, according to official exchange rate data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The local currency concluded 2024 with significant depreciation, recording a 40.9 per cent loss against the dollar in the official market.
The 2025 performance marks the naira’s first annual gain since 2012, when it appreciated slightly to N157.29 from N158.99 in 2011.
The currency had depreciated every year since then, marking a major turnaround after 13 years of consistent declines.
A further breakdown of the GovSpend data also shows that aviation-related expenses remain a major driver of forex demand.
The Presidential Air Fleet consistently accounted for some of the largest transactions across both years, reflecting maintenance, fuel, leasing and operational costs that are typically dollar-denominated.
This has renewed debate over the size and cost structure of the fleet, especially at a time when many countries are reviewing the sustainability of maintaining large official aircraft inventories.
The State House and Office of the Chief of Staff accounted for smaller but still significant amounts, often linked directly to specific trips by the President, Vice President or First Lady. These include forex purchases for estacodes, accommodation, logistics and protocol obligations.
The Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Odeh Friday, earlier expressed concern about the impact of such spending on taxpayers and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
“This highlights the urgent need for a shift toward greater equality and accountability in the management of public finances,” Friday said.
He emphasised that it is critical to evaluate the outcomes of these significant expenditures, questioning whether they truly serve the interests of the Nigerian people. “Some of them are clearly wasteful expenditure,” he added.
Former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for spending much of January abroad.
Obi, in a post on his X handle on Sunday morning, noted that while leaders in other countries focus on domestic governance at the start of the year, Nigeria’s president has prioritised foreign engagements over pressing national issues.
Obi also questioned the necessity of Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, noting that the President spent 23 days abroad in January across two trips, returning only briefly to Nigeria in between.
“While leaders in other nations prioritise domestic governance in January, Nigeria’s president prioritises international engagements over pressing national issues. This month, he spent 23 days abroad across two trips—beginning the year overseas and returning on the 17th, and departing less than 10 days on the 26th to Türkiye, where he remains as of January 31. What urgent matters continuously warrant his absence from the nation? When he does return, it often appears to be merely to welcome defectors into the APC before he jets off again.”
The trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu took a dramatic turn on Tuesday after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the alleged leakage of sensitive court evidence to social media.
During proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that video recordings already tendered as evidence had surfaced online. He alleged that the materials were published by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and noted that the activist was present in court during the hearing.
Oyedepo urged the court to investigate how the videos were obtained and made public.
In response, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed the DSS to immediately probe the alleged leak. The judge ordered security operatives to determine whether any protected court materials were released in breach of existing witness-protection orders and to identify those responsible.
Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the investigation should proceed alongside the ongoing criminal trial, stressing that neither the defendants nor their legal representatives had admitted involvement in the alleged publication.
Counsel to the six defendants denied any connection to the leaked materials. Some members of the defence team argued that the prosecution should file a formal application supported by an affidavit if it wished to pursue the matter before the court.
The hearing also featured testimony from the prosecution’s fourth witness, identified only as “DDD,” who maintained that the defendants voluntarily made their statements and were neither tortured nor coerced during interrogation.
The witness dismissed claims that the accused were chained while giving statements, stating that they walked into the interview room unassisted. He further told the court that none of the defendants requested the presence of lawyers, family members, Legal Aid Council officials, or a Justice of the Peace before making their statements.
Following the testimony, the prosecution closed its case in the trial-within-trial after calling four witnesses.
The court adjourned proceedings to June 25 and June 30 for the first three defendants to open their defence, while the remaining defendants are scheduled to present theirs on July 1 and July 2.
Justice Abdulmalik also fixed July 20 for a ruling on the defendants’ bail applications.
The six men remain on trial over allegations of participating in a plot to topple the Tinubu administration—claims they have denied and which the court has yet to determine.
News
Good Governance: Nwoye Harps on Prudent Management of Public Funds, Engagement of Competent Hands
A Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (IPCDS), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Dr. Ben Nwoye, has emphasized the need for managers of public institutions, especially government-owned establishments, to prioritize prudent management of resources and the engagement of competent personnel.
Nwoye also stressed that placing qualified and capable individuals in positions of responsibility remains one of the surest ways to achieve good governance and sustainable development in any society.
The former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State and current Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party made the remarks on Monday during a good governance facility tour to the remodeled Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu, alongside PhD students of IPCDS.
He commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for the transformation of GTC Enugu under the leadership of Dr. Amaka Ngene, Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), noting that the institution has been transformed from a dilapidated facility into a modern learning centre.
According to Nwoye, the visit was aimed at assessing the progress made since a similar tour of the school in 2025.
He described education as the bedrock of national development and stressed the need for governments to continue investing heavily in the sector.
“The massive transformation that has taken place at GTC Enugu would not have been possible without prudent management of resources and the appointment of capable leadership,” he said.
“When we first visited, what we saw were merely buildings and classrooms without teachers or students. We were also shown videos and photographs depicting the terrible state of the institution before the intervention of the Enugu State Government.
“Today, barely a year later, we have returned to see whether the state-of-the-art facilities have become functional, and we are impressed by what we have seen. There are teachers, students, and fully operational departments.
“This success is largely due to the quality of leadership driving the school board. The desired transformation has truly taken place, and this goes beyond politics. It is about commitment, competence, and prudent management of public funds.”
Nwoye noted that the beneficiaries of the reforms are young people whose lives are being positively impacted through quality education and vocational training.
“We must commend Governor Peter Mbah for providing the enabling environment and resources needed to achieve this. More importantly, we must acknowledge the efforts of the Board Chairman, Dr. Amaka Ngene, who has driven the entire process.”
He added that practical examples such as GTC Enugu provide valuable learning opportunities for students studying governance and leadership.
“The challenge in our country is not the absence of laws but our failure to implement them. Previous boards allowed this institution to remain in a deplorable condition. What we are seeing today demonstrates what is possible when competent individuals are entrusted with leadership responsibilities.”
Nwoye expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the tour, stating that his students were impressed by the level of transformation witnessed across the institution.
“It is gratifying because when we teach governance principles in the classroom, we can now point to practical examples where those principles are being applied successfully. Sustainable development can only be achieved when education is treated as a priority,” he said.
Speaking during the tour, Dr. Ngene attributed the board’s achievements to a fortified database system, zero tolerance for corruption, truancy, and absenteeism, as well as a commitment to accountability and efficiency.
She also praised Governor Mbah for his commitment to education, describing the ongoing reforms as an education revolution in Enugu State.
According to her, the state’s investment in education has surpassed the UNESCO recommendation of 15 to 20 per cent budgetary allocation to the sector.
“Over the last three years, Enugu State has consistently allocated an average of 23 per cent of its budget to education, reflecting the governor’s commitment to human capital development,” she disclosed.
During the facility tour, the visiting students inspected several functional departments, including the automobile repair workshop, welding and fabrication unit, computer laboratory, garment-making section, and hospitality and catering department.
The facilities provide practical vocational training for senior students, equipping them with employable skills and entrepreneurial opportunities for the future.
Dr. Ngene maintained that Governor Mbah’s administration has demonstrated the impact of good governance through strategic investments in education and human capital development, adding that the results are already evident across the state.
With the successful conclusion of the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) has announced plans to commence a statewide enforcement exercise against unauthorized outdoor advertisements across the state.
The Agency said the operation would target illegally displayed posters, billboards, political campaign materials, banners, and other outdoor advertisements erected without the approval and requisite permits of ENSSAA.
In a statement issued on Monday by the General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Francis Aninwike, ENSSAA said the enforcement exercise would be carried out across Enugu metropolis and all the local government areas of the state in accordance with the provisions of the ENSSAA Law 2016, which regulates outdoor advertising and signage in Enugu State.
Aninwike explained that the Agency deliberately suspended the enforcement exercise in recent weeks to allow the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election to be concluded and to avoid giving political coloration to what is essentially a long-overdue regulatory exercise aimed at restoring order, sanity, and environmental aesthetics within the state’s outdoor advertising space.
He stressed that no individual, political party, candidate, organization, or business is permitted to erect, display, or paste advertisements, including political campaign materials, without first obtaining the approval of the Agency.
According to him, political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders are advised to immediately regularize their advertisements and obtain the necessary permits before displaying campaign materials or other outdoor advertisements in any part of the state.
The General Manager noted that the proliferation of unauthorized advertisements constitutes a violation of the law, contributes to visual pollution, defaces public infrastructure, and undermines the beauty of the environment.
He emphasized that the enforcement exercise is neither targeted at any individual nor directed against any political group.
“This enforcement exercise is not targeted at any individual or political group. It is a routine regulatory action aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and maintaining a clean, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing environment across the state,” Aninwike stated.
To ensure a smooth and peaceful operation, ENSSAA said it has secured armed police escorts for its enforcement teams. The exercise will be conducted daily between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The Agency urged members of the public to comply with extant regulations and refrain from obstructing officials carrying out their lawful duties.
Aninwike reiterated ENSSAA’s commitment to sanitizing the outdoor advertising sector, enforcing compliance with relevant laws, and ensuring that outdoor advertisements across Enugu State conform to approved standards.
The application is open from June 15 and will close on June 30, 2026, according to a notice published by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.
The programme, coordinated by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission through EducationUSA Nigeria, is designed to assist academically outstanding Nigerian students with leadership potential in pursuing higher education in the United States.
According to the mission, the initiative supports access to U.S. higher education while advancing “American leadership, commercial diplomacy, and the shared economic interests of the United States and Nigeria.”
It added that the 2026 cohort aligns with the Freedom 250 celebration, marking 250 years of American leadership, innovation and democratic values.
The statement read, “Freedom250 marks 250 years of American leadership, innovation, and democratic values, and the OFP 2026 cohort will advance these priorities by preparing globally competitive talents aligned with U.S. economic and strategic interests.”
The mission said the programme also reinforces U.S. priorities on “secure, lawful, and well-managed student participation” in American higher education institutions.
It stated, “The program reinforces U.S. priorities on secure, lawful, and well-managed student participation of U.S. higher education systems, ensuring participants understand and uphold the proper use of student visas and full compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.”
It noted, “Priority consideration will be given to the highest-performing students whose academic profiles and career trajectories align with U.S. strategic interests in STEM, AI, and critical emerging technologies.”
The Opportunity Fund Programme provides financial support for essential upfront application costs, including standardised testing fees, application fees and other related expenses.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, a clear intention to pursue post-secondary education in the United States, notable achievements, research capability, and a commitment to visa compliance and responsible participation in U.S. exchange programmes.
The statement further stressed that participants would be expected to maintain high ethical standards throughout the programme.
It said, “Participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and accountability, including adherence to all U.S. visa regulations.
Apply here: EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) 2026 – U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria
The United States Mission in Nigeria has opened applications for the 2026 cohort of the EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Programme, inviting qualified Nigerian students seeking higher education opportunities in the US to apply.
The application is open from June 15 and will close on June 30, 2026, according to a notice published by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.
The programme, coordinated by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission through EducationUSA Nigeria, is designed to assist academically outstanding Nigerian students with leadership potential in pursuing higher education in the United States.
According to the mission, the initiative supports access to U.S. higher education while advancing “American leadership, commercial diplomacy, and the shared economic interests of the United States and Nigeria.”
It added that the 2026 cohort aligns with the Freedom 250 celebration, marking 250 years of American leadership, innovation and democratic values.
The statement read, “Freedom250 marks 250 years of American leadership, innovation, and democratic values, and the OFP 2026 cohort will advance these priorities by preparing globally competitive talents aligned with U.S. economic and strategic interests.”
The mission said the programme also reinforces U.S. priorities on “secure, lawful, and well-managed student participation” in American higher education institutions.
It stated, “The program reinforces U.S. priorities on secure, lawful, and well-managed student participation of U.S. higher education systems, ensuring participants understand and uphold the proper use of student visas and full compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.”
It noted, “Priority consideration will be given to the highest-performing students whose academic profiles and career trajectories align with U.S. strategic interests in STEM, AI, and critical emerging technologies.”
The Opportunity Fund Programme provides financial support for essential upfront application costs, including standardised testing fees, application fees and other related expenses.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, a clear intention to pursue post-secondary education in the United States, notable achievements, research capability, and a commitment to visa compliance and responsible participation in U.S. exchange programmes.
The statement further stressed that participants would be expected to maintain high ethical standards throughout the programme.
It said, “Participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and accountability, including adherence to all U.S. visa regulations.
Apply here: EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) 2026 – U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria
The Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District and the Minority Whip of the Senate, Dr. Tony Nwoye on Sunday 21st June, 2026 distributed over 1,500 solar-powered streetlights for distribution across communities and 99 Wards of Anambra North Senatorial zone.
According to Dr. Nwoye, the solar streetlights will be distributed among the 99 wards that make up Anambra North Senatorial District, in fulfillment of his commitment to illuminate every nook and cranny of the zone.
Senator Dr Tony Nwoye said the gesture is aimed at improving the quality of life of the people by providing illumination in public spaces, promoting safety and security in the environments.These initiatives are primarily aimed at boosting local economies, enhancing nighttime security, and preventing crime in rural and urban areas.
The latest Distribution marks the completion of Phase 4 of the Light Up Anambra North initiative. The the Third Phase has each Ward in Anambra North getting 15 Pieces of Solar Lights each.
Speaking while handing over the solar streetlights to ward leaders, Senator Nwoye assured the people that even more projects and interventions would be brought to the district. He reiterated his determination to ensure that Anambra North, shines even brighter through sustained infrastructural development.
Senator Nwoye reiterated his Commitment in providing quality Leadership, Infrastructural development and improving the lives of the good people of Anambra North Senatorial District.
Each Political Ward in Anambra North is expected to get at least 5 Solar in this latest batch of Phase 4.
*Video of the Distribution Speaks:*
*(C) DTN MEDIA CENTRE*
-
News5 days agoEnugu Lawyer Publicly Disowns Alleged Son After DNA Test
-
News5 days agoLagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Wins Global Recognition
-
News4 days agoOpposition Parties Drag Enugu Government, ENSSAA to Court Over N150m Campaign Permit Fee
-
Education4 days agoCoal City University Slams Sahara Reporters Report as False, Malicious, Demands Retraction
-
Crime4 days agoFarmer Beheads two Elders to avenge Parents’ deaths
-
News1 day agoPost-Election Cleanup: Enugu Cracks Down on Unauthorized Outdoor Advertising
-
Crime5 days agoGovernor To Introduce Public Execution for Convicted Kidnappers, Sets Up Special Court
-
Crime4 days ago26-year-old girl commits suicide after multiple abortions