In a surprising revelation, it has come to light that the Federal Government is planning to allocate a staggering N13.5 billion for the renovation of the official quarters of President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima in both Abuja and Lagos. This disclosure is part of the supplementary budget presented by President Tinubu to the National Assembly for approval.
The supplemental budget is a significant 9.16% increase from the N21.83 trillion 2023 Appropriations Bill signed into law earlier this year, marking the highest budget in Nigeria’s history.
Details from this supplementary budget reveal the allocation of over N4 billion for renovations of President Tinubu’s official mansion in Abuja and approximately N2.5 billion for his vice president’s official residence. Additionally, there are plans to renovate his official residence in Lagos, the Dodan Barracks, for an estimated N4 billion, while the official residence of the Vice President in Lagos is also slated for renovation at a cost of about N4 billion.
These expenditures have sparked widespread reactions as many Nigerians continue to grapple with the repercussions of the recent removal of the petrol subsidy. Although some have commended the removal of the subsidies as necessary, there is criticism regarding the administration’s extravagant spending and calls for greater financial discipline to reduce the cost of government.
In a related development, the National Assembly recently revealed plans to spend an estimated N57.6 billion on official vehicles for its 109 senators and 360 House of Representatives members.
