Minister Dismisses Allegations: No N1 Billion Allocated for Geneva Trip in 2024 Budget

In a recent statement, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, vehemently denied media reports suggesting that N1 billion was earmarked for a foreign trip to Geneva in the 2024 Budget. Setting the record straight, Uzoka-Anite emphasized that the allocated funds were intended for specific obligations, overhead, and maintenance costs associated with Nigeria’s Trade Office in Geneva.

Addressing the misconceptions surrounding the budget, the minister underscored that the allocated funds were not meant for a foreign trip but rather aimed at addressing the existing debt of N499,000,000.00 owed by the Trade Office in Geneva. This debt, she clarified, was duly reflected in the budget, highlighting the importance of settling outstanding financial obligations to maintain Nigeria’s global standing.

Contrary to media reports, Uzoka-Anite emphasized that there was no line item in the proposed budget indicating a “Foreign Trip to Geneva.” Instead, the budget referenced the maintenance of the Nigerian Trade Office in Geneva under “External Trade Sector, Geneva (WTO).” The minister emphasized the necessity of maintaining an office in Geneva to represent and defend Nigeria’s multilateral trade interests in international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

“The current debt owed by the Nigeria Trade Office in Geneva, as captured in the budget, is N499,000,000.00, and it was deemed necessary to propose a budget that will service Nigeria’s outstanding debts in Geneva and maintain Nigeria’s respect and global standing amongst the comity of nations,” clarified Uzoka-Anite. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to prudence, transparency, and accountability.

Providing further details, the minister disclosed that the total budget proposal for the expenses related to the Geneva office is N1,610,183,599. The breakdown includes N805,379,820 for personal costs, N204,058,434 for overhead costs, and N600,745,345 for capital costs.

Background:
Earlier reports circulated widely, suggesting that Minister Uzoka-Anite intended to spend over a billion naira on a trip to Geneva in the upcoming year. The proposed spending was reportedly included in the ministry’s allocation in the 2024 budget. Concerns were raised by Adams Oshiomhole, chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, who questioned the decision to allocate such a substantial amount for a trip during a period of economic hardship. Oshiomhole urged the minister to consider utilizing in-country experts to save costs and emphasized the importance of supporting domestic industries to promote self-sufficiency.