Trade Minister Faces Backlash Over N1 Billion Geneva Trip Allocation in 2024 Budget

In a heated session on Tuesday, members of the Senate scrutinized the Ministry of Trade and Investment’s proposed N1 billion budget for a trip to Geneva, leading to sharp criticism of the Trade Minister, Doris Nkiruka-Anite Uzoka.

During the defense of the 2024 Budget before the Senate Committee on Trade, Minister Uzoka unveiled the budgetary provisions, triggering a wave of disapproval. Former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, denounced the allocation as exorbitant, urging the Minister to utilize in-house expertise rather than embarking on an expensive trip.

“I see that you intend to travel to Geneva next year and you have budgeted over one billion Naira for that. We can’t keep going on with over-bloated teams on abroad trips. Use the experts we have in your offices in that country to save cost,” remarked Senator Oshiomhole.

He further accused the Minister of neglecting her responsibilities by frequently visiting the Bank of Industry, emphasizing the need for her to focus on domestic issues.

“Madam, sit in your office and work for Nigerians. I have gone there twice. You are always in the BOI. If you preferred BOI, you should have declined the President’s nomination to be Minister.”

Oshiomhole also raised concerns about Nigeria’s balance of trade, particularly with China, and criticized the Ministry for lacking records on this matter. Despite the Minister’s attempt to explain the absence of data, Oshiomhole insisted that relevant information exists in entities such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

“No, Madam, I don’t agree that there is no data. Such data exists with the CBN, Customs, and other agencies.”

The Minister, in her presentation, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation. She highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan, National Enterprise Development Programme, Trade Policy of Nigeria (2023-2027), and the Nigerian Investment Policy (2023-2027). Despite these assurances, the controversy surrounding the substantial budget allocation for the Geneva trip continues to fuel debates on responsible fiscal management.