Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu has disclosed that ex-President Muhammadu Buhari rejected a proposed N10 million monthly food budget and declined the purchase of new official vehicles when he assumed office in 2015.
Shehu made the revelation in his newly released memoir titled “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience”, which was officially launched on Wednesday in Abuja.
The book details Shehu’s eight-year experience serving as Buhari’s media aide, offering an insider’s perspective into the workings of the Presidency during Buhari’s administration.
According to Shehu, soon after Buhari was sworn in, officials suggested raising the monthly food allowance for the State House covering the President, Vice President, guest houses, and official banquets to N10 million. However, Buhari reportedly found the figure excessive and rejected it outright.
Shehu noted that the former president was deeply concerned about government spending and insisted on a more modest approach to governance.
He also turned down proposals for new cars to be purchased for his use, opting instead to continue using the ones left behind by his predecessor.
The memoir paints a portrait of Buhari as a frugal leader intent on curbing waste in government, especially in the early days of his administration.
Shehu said, “When they told him N10 million was needed, he screamed and demanded it be reduced.
“Look at my table, what do I eat? How much does it cost?” Buhari reportedly asked.
Describing the former president’s personal habits, Shehu said Buhari maintained a modest and healthy diet throughout his presidency.
“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,” he said.
Shehu also recounted Buhari’s refusal to approve the purchase of five customised Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
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He said the cars were ordered during the final days of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, and N400 million had already been released for the acquisition.
Shehu wrote, “The proposal to buy the vehicles had been made at the twilight of President Jonathan’s 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.’”
Shehu said instead of authorising the purchase, Buhari directed the then Permanent Secretary at the State House, Nebolisa Emodi, to reduce operating costs and improve financial oversight.
“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 stated.
He said the former president continued using the vehicles left by his predecessor until one of them broke down en route to the airport, prompting a reluctant switch.
Shehu also noted that Buhari spent his early months in office holding consultations with permanent secretaries and heads of federal agencies to understand the scale of the country’s challenges — a decision that contributed to the delay in appointing ministers, drawing public criticism at the time.