Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has approved a total of seventy-three million, six hundred and eighty-six thousand, three hundred and forty naira (N73,686,340) for a trip to the United Arab Emirates.

In a memo obtained by journalists, the governor, his wife, some government officials and some of their aides are to be in Dubai for the UAE Missions/NGF Investment Meeting and the 11th Global Annual Meeting slated from March 27 to 31.

The governor, according to the memo, will remain in the UAE for a medical checkup for another three days after which he will proceed to Atlanta, Georgia for a visit to last from April 4 to 10.

Meanwhile, the budgeted amount includes fees for flight tickets for the governor, his wife and eight officials.

According to the memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Danladi Abok Afu, 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 8 officials.

A whopping sum of N13 million was budgeted as estacode allowance for three commissioners and the Chairman of the Economic Council amid other expenses included in the budget breakdown.

The memo signed on March 11 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.”
However, when SaharaReporters contacted the Director of Press & Public Affairs to Governor Lalong, Makut Simon Macham, on the phone, he denied any knowledge of the trip, saying he was “not aware of the memo”.