FG projects over ₦18bn annual savings on MDAs’ airfare spending

The Federal Government is projecting annual savings of between ₦18 billion and ₦24 billion in official airfare spending across its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), following the rollout of the BisonFly Project — a new centralised, technology-driven travel booking platform.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Finance, is designed to reduce the cost of air travel by aggregating demand from MDAs and negotiating bulk airfare discounts through a unified system. It forms part of broader fiscal reforms aimed at streamlining government operations and curbing waste, in line with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The BisonFly Project directly supports our commitment to prudent financial management,” Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said in remarks delivered on his behalf at a stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Thursday. “By coordinating travel and securing discounted rates, we are using the government’s collective bargaining power to cut expenditure and improve service delivery, just as global institutions like the World Bank have done successfully.”

Edun, represented by Raymond Omenka Omachi, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at the ministry, emphasised the urgency of full and timely implementation of the project.

He told stakeholders that the projected savings represent a significant portion of annual overheads on government travel, noting that centralised procurement through digital platforms would bring both transparency and efficiency.

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The BisonFly Project mirrors international best practice, where institutional travel consolidation has delivered substantial cost reductions. In Nigeria’s case, it is expected to curb inflated or fragmented bookings that have long characterised public-sector travel spending.

According to the ministry, the savings — which could reach ₦24 billion annually — will be redirected to priority sectors and developmental projects. Beyond cost-cutting, the platform aims to enhance accountability and reduce opportunities for abuse within MDA procurement processes.

“This project aligns with our Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms objectives,” Edun said. “It is a strategic solution that ensures value for money while improving travel planning and service quality across the Federal Civil Service.”

The rollout of BisonFly comes as Nigeria faces increasing fiscal pressure from high debt servicing costs and reduced oil revenues. The government has been pursuing a range of cost-containment measures, including subsidy removal, revenue diversification, and digitalisation of services to plug leakages.

Officials said the platform is expected to foster a “culture of transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility” while supporting broader goals of economic growth and job creation through improved public-sector productivity.

The minister charged the team in charge of the BisonFly Project to ensure timely execution and measurable results, as the administration continues to press forward with its economic reform agenda.