The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to reduce the proposed budgets for the Presidency and the National Assembly. The organization has called for a redirection of funds to help address Nigeria’s growing budget deficit.
In a letter dated December 21, 2024, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP highlighted the substantial allocations for the Presidency and lawmakers. The Presidency’s proposed N9.4 billion for travel, meals, and catering expenses, alongside the National Assembly’s N344.85 billion budget, were identified as areas where savings could be made. SERAP argued that these funds should be repurposed to alleviate the country’s economic challenges.
SERAP stressed the urgent need for the National Assembly to request a supplementary appropriation bill from President Bola Tinubu, which should reflect reduced allocations for both the Presidency and the legislature. The group warned that any unnecessary spending would violate the public trust and breach the constitutional oath of office.
The organization further demanded a detailed breakdown of the National Assembly’s proposed N344.85 billion budget, particularly the allocations for personnel costs, salaries, and allowances. SERAP also called on lawmakers to hold ministries, departments, and agencies accountable for the mismanagement of funds as highlighted in the 2021 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General.
Among the proposed expenditures that SERAP found troubling were the Presidency’s N14 billion allocation for “rehabilitation and repairs of fixed assets” in 2024, which was increased to N26 billion for 2025. SERAP also pointed to the proposed N8.74 billion for domestic and international travel for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, with N7 billion allocated for the President’s travel and N1.73 billion for the Vice President.
Additional proposed spending included N546.2 million for catering materials and refreshments, N87.5 million for honoraria and sitting allowances, and N79.6 million for drugs and medical supplies. SERAP criticized the lack of transparency in the proposed National Assembly budget, urging lawmakers to provide a detailed breakdown of their proposed spending.
The organization emphasized that cutting unnecessary spending would demonstrate the National Assembly’s commitment to serving the best interests of Nigerians. SERAP concluded by urging Akpabio and Abbas to lead by example, showing that public officials can act responsibly to address the country’s budget deficit and debt problems.
By reducing wasteful spending, SERAP believes the government could take a crucial step in mitigating Nigeria’s economic challenges and securing a more sustainable future for its citizens.
