Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau State, has approved a total of N73,686,340 for a two-legged trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and United States of America, according to a report.
The governor, with his wife, aides and some government officials, is to be in Dubai for the UAE Missions/Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Investment Meeting and the 11th Global Annual Meeting slated for March 27 to 31, 2022.
The governor, according to the memo seen by The Leadership, will remain in the UAE for a medical checkup for another three days after which he will proceed to Atlanta, Georgia, United States for a visit to last from April 4 to 10, 2022.
The purpose of the second leg of the trip to the United States was not stated, according to Leadership report.
Meanwhile, the budgeted amount includes fees for flight tickets for the governor, his wife and eight officials.
According to the approved internal memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, and addressed to Governor Lalong, the sum of N19,658,158 will cover the return flight ticket booked for the governor and his wife.
Another N2.3 million was budgeted for the return flight ticket for two personal assistants while another N7.4 million was included to cover the flight tickets for about eight officials.
As much as N13 million was budgeted as estacode allowance for three commissioners and the chairman of the State Economic Council amid other expenses included in the budget breakdown.
The memo signed on March 11, 2022 reads, “With reference to the letter received from the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on the proposed trip to Dubai (UAE) for the above-mentioned investment Summit Meeting (Copy attached) and subsequent visit to the United States of America. I wish to submit logistics requirements for His Excellency’s consideration.
“As proposed, the Governor and entourage will depart Nigeria for Dubai from 27-31 March 2022 for the Summit, then spend additional three (3) days (1st-3rd April, 2022) for medical check-up thereafter proceed to Atlanta, Georgia for a visit between 4-10 April 2022.
“In light of the foregoing, the Governor is invited to consider and approve the release of the sum of Seventy-Three Million Six Hundred and Eighty-Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty Naira (73,686,340.00) only as logistics for the trip.
“The amount is to be charged from Head 022000700100, Sub-thread 2202105 (Leave & Passages) of the approved budget, please.”
Attempt by Leadership to reach out to the SSG, Prof. Atu, proved abortive as his known phone line was switched off.
