The federal government has outlined details of expenditure in the 2023 supplementary budget for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The proposed allocation includes N5.095 billion for the acquisition of a presidential yacht and N28 billion for various needs in the State House.
In the proposed budget, N28 billion is allocated for the State House, covering different expenditures and improvements. The budget for the yacht is captured in the Nigerian Navy’s budget, which encompasses a recurring expenditure of N20.42 billion and a capital expenditure of N42.3 billion, totaling approximately N62.8 billion.
Non-essential Lavish Spending
If approved by the National Assembly, N28 billion will be allocated for purposes such as house renovations, vehicle purchases for the president, vice president, and official villa staff.
Specific allocations include N4 billion for the renovation of the president’s residential quarters in Abuja and N4 billion for the renovation of Dodan Barracks. Additi
A lavish N3 billion is also designated for the renovation of the vice president’s official quarters in Lagos, and N2.5 billion is allocated for the renovation of Aguda House.
Vehicle purchases include N2.9 billion for SUVs, N2.9 billion for pool vehicle replacements, and N1.5 billion for official vehicles for the Office of the First Lady.
Other significant expenses include the construction of an office complex in the State House with a budget of N4 billion. Allocations are also made for the acquisition, renovation, and rehabilitation of EFCC fortified quarters in the State House Complex.
Budget Defense
During the budget defense session, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, chairman of the House committee on Appropriation, explained that the proposed N2,176,791,286,033 supplementary appropriation bill focuses on enhancing various aspects of the nation’s well-being, including improving security, food security, critical road infrastructure, addressing housing deficits, slum upgrades, and urban renewal efforts. The budget also provides resources for off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo States.
Allocations for key ministries and sectors include N476,543,847,421 for the Ministry of Defence, N200 billion for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, N50 billion for Police formations and commands, N29,700,606,916 for the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), N100 billion for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT), N49,046,831,697 for the Department of State Services (DSS), N300 billion for the Federal Ministry of Works, N100 billion for the Federal Ministry of Housing, N615 billion for Service Wide Vote, N210.500 for capital supplementation, and N18 billion for the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) funding.
Budget Criticism
However, there has been criticism from economic experts and the public regarding the seemingly extravagant expenditures, particularly on luxurious cars for the presidency and National Assembly. Some experts express concerns about the escalating deficit and its implications on the country’s debt profile.
Meanwhile, various ministers defended the allocations, emphasizing the importance of addressing security concerns, infrastructure projects, and food security in the country. The appropriations committee is currently conducting hearings to analyze the submissions and prepare a report for the House.
