Former presidential spokesman Garba Shehu has revealed how ex-President Muhammadu Buhari refused to approve a N10 million monthly food budget for the State House, insisting on eating basic Nigerian meals instead.
The disclosure comes from Shehu's newly published memoir, Working With the President: A Spokesperson's Memoir, which offers behind-the-scenes accounts of his time at Aso Rock between 2015 and 2023.
According to the book, shortly after Buhari's inauguration, officials presented him with a N10 million monthly food budget covering meals for the presidency, vice presidency, state banquets, and guest houses.
"The President immediately objected to the figure, demanding a significant reduction," Shehu wrote. "He pointed to his modest eating habits as an example."
Shehu described Buhari's typical diet as consisting of common local dishes like *tuwo* (cereal pudding), *akara* (bean cakes), beans, pap, wheat meals, fresh salads, chicken, and goat meat – foods regularly consumed by ordinary Nigerians.
In another cost-saving move, the book reveals how Buhari canceled a N400 million order for five luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles approved by the previous administration. When informed about the procurement by then-Permanent Secretary Nebolisa Emodi, Buhari reportedly responded: "Why do we need new cars? The existing presidential vehicles are perfectly functional."
The former president subsequently ordered a reduction in State House operational expenses and stricter financial controls, according to the memoir.
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