Senate Questions IST Over N16m Fumigation Spending

The Nigerian Senate, during a session on Tuesday, scrutinized the Investment Security Tribunal (IST) regarding a N16 million expenditure for office fumigation, questioning the appropriateness of such spending amid widespread economic strain. Senate committee chairman Osita Izunaso of the APC representing Imo West led the inquiry, demanding justification for the fumigation costs, which were part of a N30 million budget item for 2025.

Izunaso criticized the tribunal's public awareness outreach as underfunded despite its low visibility among investors. IST chairman Aminu Junaidu defended the expenditure, explaining that fumigation is conducted quarterly to safeguard sensitive documents and that the costs are necessary to protect records.

However, lawmakers expressed concerns about the tribunal's reliance on stationery supplies, with a reported N6.134 million spent on office stationery and computer consumables. The committee emphasized the need for fiscal discipline and warned that public institutions must justify every expenditure, especially in light of rising living costs in Nigeria.