As Tinubu’s Accountant General, other senior officials blew over N1b on workshop in London

 

As Nigerians struggle to put food on the table, the federal government of Nigeria held a workshop for 36 state commissioners for finance in London, the United Kingdom between March 4 – 9.

The event was themed “Public Financial Management and IPSAS Workshop for State Commissioners of Finance and Officials of OAGF.”

The attendees of the workshop were entitled to $600 estacode for each night, meaning every person would get $2,900 (N4.6m). Reports indicated that both federal and state officials at the event were close to 100 persons. With air tickets, hotels and other logistics, not less than N1 billion is believed to have been expended on the workshop.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s standard bearer in the last election, has criticized the holding of the Workshop in London.

Obi said Nigerians must resist and denounce such recklessness and a clear show of feelingless.

 

Writing on his X handle on Saturday Obi said, “Nigerians must vehemently denounce and condemn the decision of Nigeria’s Accountant-General’s Office to hold a workshop in London. This decision is not only unacceptable but also deeply troubling on multiple levels.

 

“Given the prevailing hardship in the country and the pitiable State of our national currency, any public function abroad amounts to insensitivity on the part of the government and any agency or individuals involved.

 

“First and foremost, it represents a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility and prudent expenditure of public funds. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a widening budget deficit, it is utterly irresponsible to squander taxpayer money on extravagant overseas workshops. The resources allocated for such purposes should be directed towards addressing pressing domestic needs, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.

“Furthermore, holding a workshop in London sends the wrong message to the Nigerian people and the international community. It perpetuates the perception of government officials indulging in luxury and extravagance at the expense of the common citizen. It fosters a culture of elitism and detachment from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, who struggle daily to make ends meet amidst rising living costs and limited access to essential services.

“Moreover, there are serious questions regarding the necessity and effectiveness of conducting a workshop abroad, particularly in a city as expensive as London. Nigeria is home to numerous highly qualified professionals and experts who are more than capable of providing the required training and expertise. By outsourcing such activities to foreign countries the government not only undermines local expertise but also fails to leverage the wealth of knowledge and experience within its borders.

“Additionally, holding a workshop in London raises concerns about transparency and accountability in government procurement processes. There must be full disclosure and justification for why London was chosen as the venue, as well as how the selection of vendors and contractors was made. Any hint of impropriety or favouritism in awarding contracts for such events must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.”