SERAP Criticises Proposed ₦9.4 Billion Allocation For Refreshments And Travels In 2025 Budget.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reduce the proposed ₦9.4 billion budget for refreshments, travels, and catering materials for the presidency. SERAP also urged a review of the ₦344.85 billion budget allocated to the National Assembly, suggesting the savings be redirected towards addressing Nigeria’s budget deficit.
In a letter dated 21st December 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation expressed concerns over what it described as “unnecessary spending,” especially in light of Nigeria’s economic challenges and high borrowing levels to fund the 2025 budget.
SERAP has requested the National Assembly leadership to provide a detailed breakdown of its proposed budget, including personnel costs and lawmakers’ allowances. The organisation also urged an invitation to heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) implicated in the mismanagement of funds, as highlighted in the 2021 Auditor-General’s report, to account for the missing billions of naira.
“The National Assembly has an obligation to ensure transparency and reduce its own proposed budget. Failure to do so reflects a lack of political will to cut the cost of governance,” the letter stated.
The presidency’s 2025 budget proposal includes ₦8.74 billion for local and international trips by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The Office of the President allocated ₦7 billion for travel expenses, while the Office of the Vice President proposed ₦1.7 billion. Other allocations include ₦546 million for foodstuffs and catering materials, ₦71 million for refreshments, and ₦87.5 million for honorarium and sitting allowances.
Additional expenditures include ₦79.6 million for drugs and medical supplies, ₦26.4 million for publicity, and ₦24.9 million for welfare packages, among others.
SERAP warned that if the National Assembly fails to address unnecessary spending and combat systemic corruption within MDAs, the organisation would consider legal action to compel compliance with constitutional oversight duties.
This critique comes against the backdrop of the ₦47.9 trillion “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity” presented by President Tinubu to the National Assembly. SERAP emphasised that, while government spending is essential, it must prioritise public interest, particularly during an economic crisis.
The call for greater transparency and a reduction in non-essential expenditures underscores the growing demand for fiscal responsibility in Nigeria’s governance.
