In the 2024 Appropriation Bill released by the Budget Office of the Federation, the State House has designated N9.5 billion for various expenditures, including the purchase of tyres for bulletproof vehicles, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), operational vehicles, plain cars, and the construction of an office complex for Special Advisers (SAs) and Senior Special Assistants (SSAs).
News About Nigeria gathered that the breakdown of the allocation includes N2 billion for SUV replacement, N4 billion for State House operational vehicles, N351 million for tyres covering bulletproof vehicles, plain cars, and jeeps, ambulances, and N3.5 billion for the construction of an office complex for SAs and SSAs.
This revelation comes amid ongoing criticism of what experts have deemed “frivolous spending” by the political class, especially given the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The proposed 2024 Appropriation Bill has faced scrutiny for allocating N15.961 billion for international and domestic travel expenses for President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and their aides.
Tinubu’s travel budget, amounting to N7.630 billion, is primarily allocated for foreign trips, with N6.992 billion earmarked for international travels and N638.535 million set aside for domestic travel.
Shettima’s proposed travel allowance is N1.847 billion, with N1.229 billion designated for foreign trips and N618.399 million for local travels.
President Tinubu presented the budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on November 29, naming it the ‘Budget of Renewed Hope.’
The allocation for vehicle tyres and office infrastructure within the State House has further fueled debates on responsible budgeting and financial priorities in the face of economic challenges.
