Official budget performance documents indicate that international travel cost 11 Nigerian state governments a combined ₦10.598 billion between January and June 2026.
The level of spending has drawn attention because it comes at a time when many citizens are grappling with economic hardship and states face growing demands for improved public services.
The review identified Zamfara, Yobe, Kogi and Kwara among the states with the highest expenditure on foreign trips during the six-month period. Their travel costs contributed significantly to the overall amount spent by the 11 states covered in the analysis.
The spending pattern has raised concerns as inflation continues to put pressure on household incomes, while governments are expected to channel more resources into essential sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure development. Critics argue that investments in these areas could have a more direct impact on improving living standards and stimulating economic growth.
Among the other states reviewed, Ebonyi recorded ₦702.2 million in foreign travel expenses, while Borno spent ₦650.4 million. Nasarawa followed with an expenditure of ₦577 million on international trips during the same period.
Further analysis showed that Adamawa allocated ₦421.2 million to overseas travel, Cross River spent ₦278 million, and Ondo posted the smallest foreign travel bill among the 11 states, with ₦169.3 million.
