Nigerian Government Allocates ₦1.5 Billion for First Lady’s Vehicles Amid Economic Challenges.
Abuja, Nigeria – In a recent revelation, Premium Times has reported that the Nigerian federal government is planning to allocate a staggering ₦1.5 billion for the procurement of vehicles for the Office of the First Lady.
This controversial move has raised concerns given the economic challenges currently facing the country.
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The disclosure came as part of the supplementary budget submitted to the National Assembly for approval, with President Bola Tinubu urging lawmakers to authorize the ₦2.17 trillion supplementary budget. The proposal had previously received the seal of approval from the Federal Executive Council during its Monday meeting.
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The most contentious aspect of this supplementary budget is the allocation of ₦1.5 billion to procure vehicles for the Office of the First Lady, an office that is not formally recognized in the Nigerian constitution. Critics argue that such an expenditure is both extravagant and unjustifiable, particularly when the nation is grappling with pressing financial constraints.
Furthermore, the government’s supplementary budget includes other substantial allocations.
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Among them, ₦2.9 billion has been earmarked for the purchase of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the Presidential Villa, with an equal amount set aside for the replacement of operational vehicles within the presidency.
Additional provisions within the budget encompass a significant ₦4 billion for the renovation of the president’s residential quarters and ₦2.5 billion for the vice president’s residence. In total, a staggering ₦28 billion has been proposed for the upkeep of the State House.
The supplementary budget also designates ₦12.5 billion for the maintenance and operation of the Presidential Air Fleet. This fleet comprises a variety of aircraft, including a Boeing Business Jet (Boeing 737-800 or NAF 001), one Gulfstream 550, one Gulfstream V (Gulfstream 500), two Falcons 7X, one Hawker Sidley 4000, two AgustaWestland AW 139 helicopters, and two AgustaWestland AW 101 helicopters.
Critics argue that the allocation of such large sums of money for non-essential items raises questions about the government’s fiscal responsibility and its priorities in a time of economic turmoil. The debate over these allocations is expected to intensify as the budget proposal undergoes scrutiny in the National Assembly.
As the nation navigates economic challenges, the allocation of funds for luxury vehicles and extensive renovations will undoubtedly spark heated discussions, both within the government and among the Nigerian populace. The decisions made in the coming weeks will reflect the government’s stance on fiscal responsibility and its commitment to addressing the nation’s pressing needs.
