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Nigeria's Presidency spends N37.6bn on travel under Tinubu

Published by YuToday Staff

0 views · 8 hours ago · 3:34 read · September 2, 2026

Abuja, Nigeria — The Presidency has spent N37.64 billion on domestic and foreign travel-related expenses over three years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, according to an analysis of government expenditure records. The spending, tracked by GovSpend, an accountability platform, spans from June 2023 to April 2026 and includes visits to over 10 countries, as reported by TG News.

Key takeaways

The Presidency spent N37.64 billion on domestic and foreign travel between June 2023 and April 2026.
President Tinubu’s trips included visits to over 10 countries, with key stops in Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s foreign travel expenses totaled N700.7 million over one year.
The expenditure data was released by GovSpend, an accountability platform tracking public spending.

Breakdown of Presidential Travel Expenditure

Government records show that the Presidency’s travel expenses totaled N37.64 billion between June 2023 and April 2026. This includes costs for domestic travel within Nigeria and international trips to destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, and China. The expenditure covers airfare, accommodation, logistics, and other travel-related costs. While the records do not specify exact costs per trip, they highlight the scale of spending on official travel during Tinubu’s tenure. The data, sourced from GovSpend, reflects a period that includes high-profile international engagements, including summits and state visits.

First Lady’s Foreign Trips Cost N700.7 Million

Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, accounted for N700.7 million in foreign travel expenses between 2023 and 2024. Her trips included visits to the United States, Mozambique, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, and France, with foreign exchange records showing $553,884 released for these visits. The spending reflects her participation in diplomatic and official engagements abroad. While the records do not detail the purpose of each trip, they underscore the financial commitment to supporting the First Lady’s official duties. The expenditure is part of the broader travel budget for the Presidency.

Key International Engagements and Destinations

President Tinubu’s travel itinerary over the past three years includes visits to over 10 countries, with notable stops in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, and China. In May 2024, he attended the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, followed by a trip to Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum. In January 2025, he traveled to Ghana, the UAE, and Tanzania for the inauguration of President John Mahama, the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit. These trips highlight Nigeria’s active role in regional and global diplomacy.

Accountability and Public Scrutiny of Travel Expenses

The release of travel expenditure data by GovSpend, an accountability platform, has sparked public discussion about the transparency and justification of such spending. While the records provide a detailed breakdown of costs, they do not include explanations for the necessity of each trip or the outcomes of these engagements. Critics argue that the high expenditure could be better justified with clearer documentation of the benefits to Nigeria. Meanwhile, supporters emphasize the importance of diplomatic engagement in advancing the country’s interests on the global stage.

Comparative Analysis of Presidential Travel Costs

While the Presidency’s travel expenses are significant, comparative data from other African nations is unconfirmed. However, the scale of spending aligns with the demands of high-profile international diplomacy, which often requires extensive travel and logistical support. The records do not specify whether the costs include security, protocol, or other ancillary expenses, which are typically part of presidential travel budgets. The expenditure reflects the broader trend of increased diplomatic activity under Tinubu’s administration, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships.

What happens next

As Nigeria continues to engage in high-level diplomatic activities, the Presidency’s travel expenses are expected to remain a topic of public scrutiny. The government may face calls for greater transparency in justifying these expenditures, particularly as economic challenges persist. Meanwhile, the focus on regional and global partnerships is likely to continue, with potential implications for Nigeria’s foreign policy and international standing.