FG Apologises To Saudi Arabia Over Sales Of Free Dates

The federal government has apologised to Saudi Arabia after it sold 200 tonnes of dates the kingdom sent as a Ramadan gift.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs apologised for the 200 tons of dates which were not meant to be sold to the people but ended up in Abuja open market.

The ministry, in a statement by its spokesperson, Clement Aduku, said, It is important to note that once the dates were delivered to their final destinations, the ministry of foreign affairs became devoid of any subsequent responsibility. It is therefore disappointing to learn that some of the consignment is being sold for profit.”

He expressed “disappointment” over the “unfortunate turn of events” but said the matter is being investigated to avoid a repeat in the future.

Dates are traditionally the first things Muslims eat when they break the Ramadan fast each evening.