A review of the public payments portal, Govspend, conducted by SaharaReporters, has uncovered that ₦176 million was spent on Vice President Kashim Shettima’s trip to Côte d’Ivoire.

Further details show that a significant amount of $117,524.00 was purchased on January 9, 2024 for the Vice President’s trip to Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire.

Shettima left Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, to support the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they took on South Africa in the semi-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima left for Abidjan at the instance of President Bola Tinubu.

He said the visit “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.”

Nigeria defeated South Africa by four goals to two on penalties in the match.

The match was played at Stade De la Paix in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire.

On February 24, it was recorded that another sum of $93,004 was released for the Vice President’s trip to Liberia. This amounted to N86.7 million.