The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has raised concerns over the proposed 2025 budgets for the Presidency and the National Assembly, calling for drastic reductions in what it describes as excessive and unnecessary spending. The group urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to prioritize Nigeria’s dire economic situation and redirect funds to address the nation’s growing budget deficit.
In a letter dated December 21, 2024, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed allocations of N344.85 billion for the National Assembly and N9.4 billion for the Presidency’s travel, meals, and catering expenses.
“Any proposed unnecessary spending by the Presidency and the National Assembly would amount to a fundamental breach of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended),” SERAP warned. “It would be a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office for the members of the National Assembly to approve unnecessary spending for themselves and the Presidency.”
The organisation also demanded a fresh supplementary appropriation bill from President Bola Tinubu, reflecting reduced allocations for both the Presidency and the legislature.
Presidency’s N8.74bn Travel Budget Draws Criticism
SERAP criticized the proposed N8.74 billion travel budget for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as extravagant during a time of economic crisis.
“The Office of the President proposes N7 billion for travel and transport expenses, while the Vice President’s office plans to spend N1.73 billion,” the group revealed.
Other proposed expenditures by the Presidency include N546.2 million for catering materials and refreshment, N87.5 million for honorarium and sitting allowances, and N79.6 million for drugs and medical supplies.
“Many Nigerians will find it quite odd, unfair, and unjust that the government and lawmakers are spending so much money on these items in the middle of a public borrowing crisis,” SERAP remarked.
Concerns Over Rising Budget Figures
SERAP highlighted a significant increase in certain budgetary allocations, including a jump in the Presidency’s spending on “rehabilitation and repairs of fixed assets” from N14 billion in 2024 to N26 billion in 2025.
“The proposed spending figures by both the Presidency and the National Assembly highlight the lack of political will to cut the cost of governance,” SERAP said.
The organisation demanded a detailed breakdown of the National Assembly’s N344.85 billion budget, including allocations for personnel costs, salaries, and allowances.
“The National Assembly has transparency obligations to disclose the details and breakdown of the proposed budget for the lawmakers,” SERAP stated.
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Calls for Oversight on Public Funds
SERAP also urged lawmakers to summon heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) implicated in the mismanagement of public funds, as revealed in the 2021 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General.
“Holding to account the MDAs which are reportedly responsible for the missing billions of naira of public funds would contribute to addressing the widespread and systemic corruption in MDAs,” the group noted.
A Reminder of Constitutional Duties
Quoting the Nigerian Constitution, SERAP reminded lawmakers of their responsibility to act in the best interest of Nigerians.
“The National Assembly has constitutional oversight and fiduciary duties to ensure responsible budget spending,” the letter stated. “Cutting waste and apparently unnecessary spending would go a long way in addressing the budget deficit and debt problems.”
A Call for Leadership and Action
SERAP concluded its letter by urging Akpabio and Abbas to lead by example, reduce wasteful spending, and demonstrate that public officials can act in the best interest of the people.
“Cutting unnecessary spending by the Presidency and the National Assembly would show that the National Assembly can discharge its constitutional responsibility of amplifying the voices of Nigerians,” SERAP emphasized.
The organisation’s stance has sparked a wider conversation about government spending, with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.