Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu has revealed that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari once rejected a proposed N10 million food budget for the State House and insisted on eating simple local Nigerian dishes.
These revelations are part of Shehu’s newly launched memoir titled “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience,” which offers behind-the-scenes insights into his eight-year stint at the Presidential Villa.
According to Shehu, shortly after Buhari assumed office in 2015, he was briefed that the State House food budget, which covered the president, vice president, official banquets, and guest houses, would require N10 million.
“When they told him N10 million was needed, he screamed and demanded it be reduced,” Shehu wrote.
“Look at my table, what do I eat? How much does it cost?” Buhari reportedly asked.
Shehu described Buhari’s eating habits as modest and reflective of his simple lifestyle.
“Regarding his simple lifestyle, as president, most of the things he ate were very basic food that is recognisable and associated with and consumed by the lower strata of the Nigerian society: tuwo (dough-like dishes made from grains), pap, akara (bean cake), beans, wheat, plenty of salads, poultry and mutton. He ate healthily,” Shehu noted.
In another striking account, Shehu recalled that Buhari was informed by then-Permanent Secretary Nebolisa Emodi that N400 million had already been released to procure five customised Mercedes-Benz vehicles ordered by the Jonathan administration.
“But Buhari asked, ‘What is wrong with the cars left behind by the former president?’ and added, ‘They are all right for my use.’”
Buhari not only rejected the car purchase but also instructed Emodi to reduce operating costs and reinforce financial discipline at the Villa.
Shehu noted that the former president continued using Jonathan’s official vehicles until one eventually broke down en route to the airport.
“He instructed that all State House expenses must stay within the approved budget and that reliance on the so-called Presidential Intervention Funds must end,” Shehu said.
The memoir also recounts how Buhari spent the early months of his presidency meeting with permanent secretaries and heads of agencies to understand national challenges—a process that led to the delayed appointment of ministers and drew public criticism.
In another revealing anecdote, Shehu wrote about a situation during one of Buhari’s medical trips abroad. While Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was acting president, some officials reportedly approached the late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, with a request for a security vote.
“Malam Abba told them that the president kept nothing to that effect,” Shehu wrote, underscoring Buhari’s firm grip on public funds and his frugality throughout his time in office.
