"Why I requested for N13 millon travel loan"- Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has explained his request for a N13.12 million loan from the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, meant for logistics for an official assignment to China. In a statement signed by the Director, Public Relations and Protocol in the Ministry, Peter Dama, Lai Mohammed said‎ the letter to the NBC requesting for a loan was mischievously leaked to social media by staff of the commission.‎

The statement added that the loan was to cover tickets and travel expenses of a five-member delegation being led by the Minister to Beijing, China, for a Conference on Tourism for Development.

“The loan being requested for is for the ministry to meet up its obligations to enable the Minister and members of his delegation attend the all important conference. The loan is not meant for the minister alone as personal expenses, but for the expenses of all members of the delegation. The Conference is being organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in conjunction with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, under the overall theme “Tourism for Peace and Development. It will feature amongst others, discussions on major issues for sustainable development including the contribution of Tourism to poverty reduction and peace. The conference is a veritable platform to develop synergy and partnership with players in the global Tourism Industry which will go a long way in boosting our drive to diversify the Nigerian economy,” it stated.