Plateau State clarifies N10.11 billion travel expenditure

An analysis of budget implementation reports reveals that 33 Nigerian state governments spent N512.10 billion on Government Houses, Governors’ Offices, and travel during the first half of 2026. This total is approximately 4,713 times the combined six-month salaries of all 36 governors.

Plateau State was identified as a top spender in the travel and transport category, recording N10.11 billion in expenditures. In response to reports regarding this figure, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, clarified that the amount does not represent spending by Governor Caleb Mutfwang or the Government House alone. Instead, it is an aggregate figure covering the entire state public service, including ministries, departments, agencies, the judiciary, and the state House of Assembly.

According to the state government, the expenditure includes leave passage entitlements, training-related travel for various MDAs, and the training of Plateau State University lecturers abroad. Other costs cited include the Muslim and Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, medical assistance for citizens abroad, and scholarships for 200 students to India. The administration noted that Governor Mutfwang undertook only three international trips during this period.