Senator Oshiomhole Challenges The Trade Minister, After She Suggested Spending N1 Billion On A Trip to Switzerland

Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment, Doris Nkiruka-Anite Uzoka

“Sit in your office and work for Nigerians” 

Doris Uzoka, minister of trade, industry, and investment, on Tuesday came under scrutiny when she appeared before some senators to defend her ministry’s budget

The Senate has criticized Doris Nkiruka-Anite Uzoka, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment, for including N1 billion in the 2024 budget for a trip to Geneva, Switzerland.

On Tuesday, December 12, Uzoka testified before the Senate Committee on Trade in support of her budget.

The minister informed the joint panel that N8.1 billion is designated for capital expenditures, and N905 million is set aside for overhead expenses.

Adams Oshiomhole, a senator from Edo North and a committee member, responded to her presentation by saying: “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.

“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.

“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.

“What is our Balance of Trade, especially with China? Those countries exporting things to Nigeria are expected to build factories in Nigeria. We have to take advantage of our population to grow our industries," he said.

In her response, the minister said, “I assure you that I can work from anywhere and give Nigerians results. My office is currently under renovation.

“Sir, I regret to say that we seem to have no record of our Balance of Trade. Or at least, it doesn't exist in the ministry and that is why we initiated a new unit called Trade Intelligence Unit to ensure that such data is generated and stored.”

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