Senate Rejects Trade Ministry's N1billion Budget For Foreign Trip
Senators on Tuesday criticised the Ministry of Trade and Investment's allocation of a N1 billion budget proposal
The Ministry of Trade and Investment's purported N1 billion expense for a trip to Geneva, Switzerland was denounced by the Senate Committee on Trade and Industry on Tuesday.
When Anite Doris Uzoka, the Minister of Trade and Industry, came before the committee to defend the ministry's 2024 budget, the panelists condemned her.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole spoke during the session and said, “I see that you intend to travel to Geneva next year and you have budgeted over N1bn for that.
“We can't keep going on with over bloated teams on foreign trips. Use the experts we have in your offices in the country to save cost.”
Oshiomhole also expressed dissatisfaction over the minister Uzoka's lack of presence in her office during his visits.
He said, “Madam sit in your office and work for Nigerians. I have gone there twice. You are always in the Bank of Industry. If you preferred Bol, you should have declined the President's nomination to be minister.”
In response, Uzoka said, “I assure you that I can work from anywhere and give Nigerians results. My office is currently under renovation.”
Speaking further, Oshiomhole said, “Let's practise what we preach. We can't talk about industrialisation and keep importing toothpicks and tyres. We must ensure that we have homegrown products.
Oshiomhole disapproved of the minister's claim that her ministry lacked documentation of the country's trade balance.
“No Madam. I don't agree that there is no data. Such data exist with the CBN, Customs and other agencies,” Oshiomhole said.
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