Analysis of the 2025 Budget Allocations for the Nigerian Presidency

The 2025 Appropriation Bill, unveiled by Nigeria’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has shed light on the financial plans for the presidency in the coming fiscal year. Titled “Restoration Budget, Securing Peace and Building Prosperity,” the document details significant allocations for domestic and international travel, refreshments, vehicles, honorarium, and infrastructure within the Office of the President and Vice President. Notably, the combined budget for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for travel and refreshments alone totals a staggering ₦9.36 billion.

Presidential and Vice Presidential Travel and Refreshments

A major highlight of the proposed budget is the allocation of ₦7.44 billion for President Tinubu and ₦1.9 billion for Vice President Shettima to cover travel and refreshments in 2025. Breaking down these figures, President Tinubu’s international travel expenses amount to ₦6.14 billion, while his local trips are expected to cost ₦873.9 million. In addition to these travel expenses, the president has set aside ₦431.6 million for refreshments, meals, and catering supplies.

Similarly, Vice President Shettima’s budget includes ₦1.31 billion for international travel and ₦417.5 million for domestic trips. An additional ₦186.02 million has been allocated for refreshments, meals, and catering supplies for the vice president’s office.

Expenditures from the Previous Fiscal Year

The significant budget allocation for travel and refreshments follows a precedent set in the first quarter of 2024. During this period, President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and First Lady Remi Tinubu reportedly incurred travel expenses exceeding ₦5.24 billion, covering both local and international trips. These figures were derived from an analysis conducted using GovSpend, a civic technology platform that tracks federal government expenditures.

Budgetary Provisions for Vehicles

The presidency’s budget for vehicles in 2025 is another area of interest, with ₦4.76 billion allocated for this purpose. A significant portion, ₦3.66 billion, is earmarked for the acquisition of operational vehicles for the State House. Additionally, ₦1 billion has been reserved for the replacement of sports utility vehicles (SUVs). Other allocations include ₦255.7 million for the procurement of cars, divided into ₦127.8 million for SUVs specifically for the president and vice president and another ₦127.8 million for operational vehicles within the Presidential Conference Car Unit (CCU) fleet.

Honorarium, Infrastructure, and Fuel Allocations

The budget further outlines a combined ₦5.94 billion for honorarium, fuel, and the construction of new office complexes. The breakdown is as follows:

• Sitting Allowances and Honorarium: ₦2.12 billion
• Fuel for Generators: ₦1.99 billion
• Office Complex Construction: ₦1.83 billion, specifically for the use of Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

Implications and Public Perception

The proposed allocations have sparked public debate about the fiscal priorities of the government, especially given the economic challenges facing Nigeria. The considerable budget for travel, refreshments, and luxury vehicle acquisitions contrasts sharply with the pressing needs of millions of Nigerians grappling with inflation, unemployment, and inadequate public services. Critics argue that such expenditures reflect a misalignment with the administration’s stated goals of peace, restoration, and prosperity.

Conclusion

The 2025 Appropriation Bill provides a detailed insight into the financial operations of the Nigerian presidency. While the outlined expenses aim to support the effective functioning of the Office of the President and Vice President, they also underscore the need for greater transparency and prioritization in public spending. As Nigerians await the implementation of this budget, the government must ensure that these allocations translate into tangible benefits for the populace, aligning governance with the expectations and needs of its citizens.