How I cut cost as governor — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has shared insights on his strategies for reducing the cost of governance while serving as governor of Anambra State. In an interview in Washington, DC, Obi emphasized his commitment to avoiding unnecessary expenses and traveling with a minimal entourage.

Obi revealed that he managed to complete refurbishments of his official facilities at significantly lower costs than initially budgeted. For example, he completed office renovations for N48 million, far below the original N298 million budget, and house renovations for N81 million, compared to the N486 million budget. He explained that these financial measures were critical in demonstrating fiscal responsibility during his tenure.

Furthermore, Obi discussed the costs associated with official travel. He stated that he refused to bring the typical number of 30 people who accompany a governor on official trips. Instead, he traveled alone, claiming he did not utilize 16 percent of his travel allowance over the years. This decision was part of his broader strategy to allocate Nigeria's limited resources towards sectors that could enhance the living conditions of citizens.