Ebun Francis
Nigeria’s Minister of budget and national planning, Udo Udoma was rattled and left deeply embarrassed on Monday when he was unable to provide the country’s debt figure when asked about Nigeria’s total debt profile. The Minister was asked the question during the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit holding place in Abuja by Zaain Asher, a CNN Anchor, who is one of the moderators, at the event which had the Vice President Prof Yemi Osibajo in attendance.
“How much is Nigeria’s total debt?” the minister was asked by Asher.
In response, a befuddled Udoma said: “I can’t tell you the exact figure. I will have to get back to you on that.”
Asher, however, responded with a challenge, saying: “But you are the minister of budget”.
The obviously embarrassed budget Udoma was unable to provide the figure but informed Asher that several committees were saddled with the responsibility of compiling Nigeria’s debt Profile. The minister’s response obviously didn’t sit well the audience given the Murmurs that followed and the facial expression of guests in the hall.
