The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to cut down the proposed N9.4 billion budget for presidency travel, refreshment, and meal expenses, as well as the N344.85 billion allocated to the National Assembly. The organization suggests using the savings to address the nation’s growing budget deficit.
SERAP also urged Akpabio and Abbas to:
- Request President Bola Tinubu to submit a revised supplementary appropriation bill reflecting these reductions.
- Disclose a detailed breakdown of the National Assembly’s proposed budget, including personnel costs, salaries, and allowances.
- Summon heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) implicated in the 2021 Auditor-General’s report to account for missing public funds.
Call for Accountability
In a letter dated December 21, 2024, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group argued that the proposed expenditures are unnecessary and against the public interest, given Nigeria’s dire economic challenges and reliance on borrowing to fund the 2025 budget.
The letter stated:
- “Any unnecessary spending by the presidency and National Assembly constitutes a breach of the Nigerian Constitution.”
- “While the 2024 budget allocated N14 billion for the rehabilitation and repair of fixed assets, the 2025 budget proposes N26 billion, marking an increase of N12 billion for the same purpose.”
- “The National Assembly must publicly commit to reducing, not increasing, its proposed N344.85 billion budget for 2025.”
Economic Concerns
SERAP emphasized that approving such spending in the midst of a public borrowing crisis would undermine public trust and violate lawmakers’ constitutional oaths of office.
The organization noted that “Nigerians are unlikely to accept such expenditures when the government could redirect the funds to improve access to basic public goods and services.”
Warning of Legal Action
SERAP warned it might take legal action to compel the National Assembly to fulfill its oversight and fiduciary responsibilities if it fails to act.
By reducing unnecessary spending and tackling corruption in MDAs, SERAP believes the National Assembly can restore public confidence and demonstrate its commitment to serving the people’s best interests.
