In 3 years, government officials spent N248bn on local, foreign trips

The Federal Government spent in 3 years, a whooping N248bn on the trips of officials in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, the aforementioned sum represents 18 per cent of the total overhead expenditure for the period.
A statement was released to this effect- on Tuesday- by the Special Adviser to the Finance Minister, Festus Akanbi, who also disclosed said that the ministry had held a sit-down with local and foreign airline officials to secure discounts for travel expenses., in a bid to reduce the cost of airfares.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance has disclosed that discussions with local and international airlines to secure discounts for trips by government officials are yielding positive results.”
“A review of government overhead expenditure for the period 2012 to 2014 showed that travel was the largest single expenditure item.”
“A cumulative total of N248bn, equivalent to about 18 per cent of total overhead expenditure, was spent on travel during the period. This translates into N83bn per annum.”
“At a conservative discount of five per cent on ticket prices, the estimated savings per annum is approximately N4bn.”
“In addition to reducing government spending on trips, the Efficiency Unit has made proposals to the appropriate government authorities for the introduction of guidelines that will reduce the need for travel by localising the activities that necessitate travel, where feasible, and encouraging the use of Information and Communications Technology.”
“Other overhead expenditure items including insurance, advertising and fuel, where the government’s bargaining power can be leveraged are also being reviewed.”