Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Hajiya Khadijat Abba-Ibrahim in a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Dr Clement Aduku in Abuja, apologised over the “unfortunate turn of events”.

“This is not the spirit in which the 200 tonnes of dates was given,” she said.

She explained that the commission for refugees, migrants and Internally Displaced Person  drew up the list of recipients which included IDPs camps as well as prominent Mosques.

“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

“The Ministry apologises unreservedly to the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this unfortunate turn of events.

“We assure all that the situation is being investigated to avoid a repeat in the future,” she said.