In the recently unveiled N2.176 trillion supplementary budget presented to the National Assembly, a notable allocation of N7 billion has raised eyebrows. This allocation is designated for the renovation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official residence and that of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, both located in Lagos.
These hefty renovations come at a time when the nation grapples with severe economic hardship due to various government policies.
Furthermore, an additional N1.5 billion is allocated to procure official vehicles for the Office of the First Lady, as part of the N28 billion budgeted for the State House in the 2023 supplementary budget.
The State House’s expenditures also encompass N2.9 billion for purchasing SUV vehicles, another N2.9 billion for the replacement of operational pool vehicles, and N2.5 billion for the renovation of Aguda House. Additionally, N200 million is earmarked for the computerization and digitalization of the State House.
The budget proposal further allocates N4 billion for the construction of an office complex within the State House. The acquisition, renovation, and rehabilitation of two EFCC forfeited quarters at the Mabushi area of Abuja as part of the State House Complex are budgeted at N1.5 billion.
Similarly, the acquisition, renovation, and rehabilitation of two EFCC forfeited quarters at the Guzape area of Abuja have an identical allocation of N1.5 billion.
The National Assembly passed the N2.176 trillion supplementary budget Bill for the second reading. The budget comprises a Capital component of N1.165 trillion and a Recurrent component of N1.010 trillion.
An overview of the allocations to other sectors and agencies includes a significant N615 billion for the Service Wide Vote. The Ministry of Defence follows with N476.5 billion, while the Federal Ministry of Works receives N300 billion. Other allocations feature N200 billion for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, N100 billion for the Ministry of Housing, N49 billion for the Department of State Services, and N100 billion for the FCTA.
Police formations and Commands secure N50 billion, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) receives N29.7 billion, Capital supplementation is allocated N210 billion, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) obtains N18 billion.
