N201Million On Vice President Shettima's Côte d'Ivoire Trip For AFCON Final

A recent review of the public payments’ portal, Govspend, revealed that the Bola Tinubu-led presidency spent N201 million on Vice President Kashim Shettima's trip to Cote d'Ivoire. 

The trip, which was for the AFCON final match, saw an exchange of $132,384, equivalent to N201.5 million. 

This significant expense was recorded on the portal on March 28, 2024, a month after the African Cup of Nations Final match, where Nigeria lost to the host Ivory Coast with a score of 2-1. 

In February, it was announced that Shettima would lead a delegation to the final match. Earlier, SaharaReporters revealed that the government spent N176 million on his trip to watch the semi-final match. This brings the total cost to sponsor Shettima's AFCON trips to N377 million.

A statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, stated that Shettima’s visit to Côte d’Ivoire “serves as a powerful call for national unity and support.”

“As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial semi-final match, Nigerians across the globe are urged to raise their voices and cheer on their team,” the statement said, adding, “The entire nation stands behind the Super Eagles.”

The trip, which was for the AFCON final match, saw an exchange of $132,384, equivalent to N201.5million.