Buhari’s Simple Diet of Beans and Pap Led Him to Reject N10 Million Food Budget for State House

 Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari rejected a proposed N10 million food budget for the State House during his tenure.

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The disclosure was made in Shehu’s memoir, According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience*, launched recently in Abuja.

Shehu recounted that shortly after Buhari assumed office in 2015, officials informed the president that the food budget—which covered meals for the president, vice-president, guest houses, and official banquets—needed to be increased to N10 million.

Buhari reportedly reacted strongly, demanding the figure be drastically reduced. “Look at my table, what do I eat? How much does it cost?” Buhari asked, underscoring his preference for simplicity and frugality.

The former spokesperson described Buhari’s diet as simple, healthy, and modest, often consisting of foods commonly consumed by ordinary Nigerians.

These included tuwo (a dough-like dish made from grains), pap, akara (bean cake), beans, wheat, salads, poultry, and mutton. Shehu emphasized that Buhari maintained a lifestyle that was far from extravagant, reflecting austerity even at the highest level of government.

The memoir offers a behind-the-scenes look at governance during Buhari’s eight years in office, highlighting his commitment to integrity and cost-conscious leadership.

It also serves as a guide for students and professionals interested in journalism and public relations, documenting Shehu’s experiences and lessons learned while serving under Buhari.

This revelation contrasts with recent concerns about the high cost of governance, including large budget allocations for presidential feeding and travel expenses under Buhari’s administration.

However, Shehu’s account paints a picture of a president who prioritized simplicity and was conscious of public resources, rejecting unnecessary extravagance even in official State House expenditures.

The book provides valuable insights into the personal and professional life of Buhari, showcasing a leader who preferred to let his deeds speak rather than indulging in lavish displays.