How Betta Edu Approved Flight Fare for Staff to Kogi — a State With no Airport

Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has authorized funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for ministry staff traveling to Kogi – a state conspicuously lacking an airport.

The approval, disclosed through a leaked internal memo dated November 6, 2023, and obtained by TheCable, reveals an allocation of N72,374,500 for the minister’s “advanced team” to attend an unspecified “event” in Kogi.

Each member of the minister’s entourage is allocated N200,000 for flight tickets, N20,000 for airport taxis, and additional allowances based on grade level, bringing the total to N72,374,500. Notably, N300,000 is designated for the minister’s airfare.

However, Kogi has been without an airport, prompting questions about the rationale behind such expenditures. Governor Yahaya Bello had previously sought federal assistance in establishing an airport during a meeting with then-President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2020.

This revelation comes amid a string of controversies surrounding Minister Edu. Recently, a memo surfaced showing her request for the transfer of N585 million to a private account, leading to calls for investigations and disciplinary actions by groups like NEFGAD.

Despite public outcry, Edu has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The unfolding events suggest a tumultuous period for the minister and her ministry, drawing increased scrutiny from various quarters.