Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has raised alarm over the proposed N9.4 billion allocation for the presidency’s travels, refreshments, and catering in the 2025 budget. The advocacy group has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reduce the allocation and channel the funds to pressing national issues.
The appeal was contained in a letter dated December 21, 2024, signed by SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The group also urged the National Assembly to review its own proposed N344.85 billion budget, emphasizing the need to redirect resources toward addressing Nigeria’s mounting budget deficit and economic challenges.
Highlights of the 2025 Budget
President Bola Tinubu presented the N49.7 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” to the National Assembly on December 18. The budget breakdown includes:
N4.4 trillion for statutory transfers. N16.3 trillion for debt servicing. N14.1 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure. N14.85 trillion for capital expenditure.
Extravagant Spending Amid Hardship
SERAP criticized the presidency’s proposed N9.4 billion allocation as excessive, especially in light of Nigeria's economic struggles and rising public debt. Specific allocations within the presidency’s budget include:
N8.74 billion for local and international trips (N7 billion for the President, N1.73 billion for the Vice President)
N546 million for foodstuff and catering materials. N71.4 million for refreshments and meals. N87.5 million for honorarium and sitting allowances. N79.6 million for medical supplies (Office of the President only). N26.4 million for publicity and advertisements. N24.9 million for welfare packages (Office of the Vice President)
The group noted with concern the presidency’s allocation of N26 billion for rehabilitation of fixed assets in 2025, representing a staggering N12 billion increase from the N14 billion allocated in 2024.
Describing the spending as unconstitutional and a betrayal of public trust, SERAP argued that the funds could be better utilized to improve critical sectors like healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure.
The group urged the National Assembly to demand a supplementary appropriation bill from President Tinubu, reflecting reduced budgets for both the presidency and the legislature. It also called for a detailed breakdown of the National Assembly's proposed N344.85 billion budget and investigations into alleged corruption in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) flagged in the 2021 audit report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
SERAP warned that it would pursue legal action to compel the National Assembly to perform its constitutional oversight duties if its recommendations were ignored.
Highlighting Nigeria’s growing debt burden and fiscal challenges, SERAP emphasized the importance of cutting wasteful government expenses. The group argued that excessive borrowing and unnecessary spending undermine the country’s economic stability and the welfare of its citizens.
“Cutting unnecessary expenses would demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance,” SERAP stated, calling for urgent reforms to reduce the cost of governance and restore public trust.
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