The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has stated that the report in the media that N1 billion was allocated for a foreign trip to Geneva in the 2024 Budget is not accurate.
According to her, the funds in the budgetary allocation were for certain obligations, overhead and maintenance costs of Nigeria’s Trade Office in Geneva.
She further noted that the current debt owed by the Trade Office is N499,000,000.00, which was also captured in the budget.
Uzoka-Anite added that it is necessary that Nigeria pays its outstanding debts in Geneva and maintains its global standing amongst the comity of nations.
She mentioned that the total budget proposal for the expenses is N1,610,183,599, adding that the personal cost stands at N805, 379, 820 while the overhead cost Is N204,058,434. She also stated that the capital cost is N600, 745, 345.
Earlier, it was widely reported that the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investments, Doris Uzoka-Anite, is proposing to spend over a billion naira on a trip to Geneva next year.
According to reports from different media outlets, the proposed spending is contained in the allocation of the ministry in the 2024 budget.
Adams Oshiomhole, chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, also raised concerns about the proposed travelling expenses to Geneva.
Mr. Oshiomhole further raised concerns about the Minister’s decision to allocate over N1 billion for a trip to Geneva, especially during a period of economic hardship pushing many Nigerians into poverty.
