The State House has allocated N15.09 billion in the 2025 Appropriation Bill for the purchase of tyres for bulletproof vehicles, SUVs, operational vehicles, and plain cars, alongside funding for an office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
Additionally, N5.49 billion is set aside for the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa. These expenditures are part of President Bola Tinubu’s “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity”, presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Budget Highlights
The proposed N49.70 trillion budget emphasizes defence, infrastructure, and human capital development. However, it carries a significant deficit of N13.39 trillion, which will be financed through borrowing.
State House Spending Breakdown:
- Tyres for vehicles: N164 million for bulletproof cars, SUVs, platform trucks, and other operational vehicles.
- Replacement of SUVs: N1.1 billion.
- Purchase of operational vehicles: N3.66 billion.
- Procurement for President and Vice President SUVs: N127.86 million.
- Vehicles for Chief of Staff: N285 million.
- Vehicles for Chief Security Officer: N179.63 million.
- Office complex for Special Advisers: N1.83 billion.
- Honorarium and sitting allowances: N2.12 billion.
Sector Allocations in the National Budget
President Tinubu stressed the administration’s focus on enhancing security and infrastructure development. Key allocations include:
- Defence and security: N4.91 trillion.
- Infrastructure: N4.06 trillion for major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway.
- Education: N3.52 trillion, including Universal Basic Education and the establishment of nine new higher institutions.
- Health: N2.48 trillion for strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring essential drugs for public hospitals.
Economic Assumptions
The budget is built on optimistic economic forecasts, including a projected inflation decline from 34.6% to 15% and an improvement in the naira exchange rate from N1,700 to N1,500 per dollar.
The proposed allocations have sparked debate, with critics questioning the prioritisation of luxury expenditures amidst pressing economic challenges. However, supporters argue that the investments in defence and infrastructure reflect the government’s commitment to national stability and growth.
