The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reduce the proposed ₦9.4 billion allocation for travel, refreshments, and catering in the 2025 presidency budget. The group also urged the lawmakers to cut their proposed ₦344.85 billion budget and redirect the savings toward reducing the country’s budget deficit.
SERAP made this appeal in a letter dated December 21, 2024, signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The organization demanded transparency, urging the National Assembly to disclose a detailed breakdown of its proposed expenditures and hold accountable ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) implicated in financial irregularities.
SERAP’s Concerns Over Excessive Spending
The group criticized the presidency’s and National Assembly’s budgets, stating they reflect a lack of political will to reduce governance costs during a time of economic strain. SERAP warned that the proposed spending violates the Nigerian Constitution and urged the president to submit a supplementary appropriation bill with revised figures for approval.
SERAP highlighted discrepancies in the presidency’s budget, noting that:
- Travel Expenses: ₦8.74 billion is proposed for local and international trips for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2025.
- ₦7 billion is allocated to the Office of the President, including ₦6.14 billion for international travel.
- ₦1.73 billion is allocated to the Office of the Vice President, with ₦1.31 billion for international travel.
- Catering and Refreshments: ₦546 million is earmarked for foodstuff and catering supplies, and ₦71 million for refreshments and meals across both offices.
- Miscellaneous Spending: ₦87 million is allocated for honorarium and sitting allowances, while other items include ₦79 million for medical supplies and ₦24 million for welfare packages for the Vice President’s office.
SERAP also noted a ₦12 billion increase in the presidency’s budget for “rehabilitation and repairs of fixed assets,” from ₦14 billion in 2024 to ₦26 billion in 2025.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
SERAP urged lawmakers to reduce their budget and disclose its breakdown, including personnel costs, salaries, and allowances. It emphasized the need for transparency, particularly in light of allegations of systemic corruption within MDAs, as outlined in the 2021 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
Failure to address these concerns, SERAP warned, could lead to legal action to compel the National Assembly to fulfill its oversight responsibilities.
National Assembly’s Proposed Budget
The National Assembly’s ₦344.85 billion budget remains a point of contention, as the details of its allocation have not been disclosed. SERAP reiterated its call for lawmakers to prioritize fiscal responsibility and reduce unnecessary spending.
The proposed 2025 budget, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” has sparked widespread criticism for its allocation priorities amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
