The recently unveiled 2025 Appropriation Bill has sparked significant discussion following the allocation of N15.09 billion by the State House for the purchase of tyres for bulletproof vehicles, SUVs, operational cars, and the construction of a new office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants. This expenditure forms part of the ambitious N49.70 trillion spending plan titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity”, presented by President Bola Tinubu to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The budget, which prioritizes defence, infrastructure, and human capital development, reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening security and revamping critical national systems. However, some allocations have raised eyebrows regarding their necessity amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

Breakdown of the State House Budget

Tyres and Vehicles

The N15.09 billion allocation includes:

• N164 million for tyres for various vehicle types, including bulletproof vehicles, SUVs, platform trucks, and operational cars.
• N1.1 billion for replacing SUV vehicles.
• N3.66 billion for the purchase of State House operational vehicles.
• N127.86 million for SUVs for the President and Vice President.
• N285 million for vehicles under the Office of the Chief of Staff.
• N179.63 million for security and operational vehicles for the Chief Security Officer to the President.

New Office Complex

A significant N1.83 billion has been earmarked for the construction of an office complex dedicated to Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants, aimed at improving administrative efficiency within the executive arm of government.

Annual Maintenance of the Presidential Villa

The budget also includes a proposed N5.49 billion for the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa, underscoring the operational costs of running Nigeria’s seat of power.

A Look at the Broader Budget

The 2025 Appropriation Bill outlines Nigeria’s largest-ever budget, with a focus on critical sectors such as security, education, infrastructure, and health. Key highlights include:

1. Defence and Security:
   • N4.91 trillion is allocated to defence and security, reflecting the government’s priority to combat insecurity and maintain national stability.
2. Infrastructure:
   • N4.06 trillion is earmarked for projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway.
3. Education:
   • N3.52 trillion for education, including funding for Universal Basic Education and the establishment of nine new higher institutions.
4. Health:
   • N2.48 trillion for the health sector to enhance healthcare systems and supply essential medications to public hospitals.

Economic Assumptions and Projections

The 2025 budget is based on key economic assumptions, including:

• Inflation Rate: Projected to decline from 34.6% to 15%.
• Exchange Rate: Improvement in the naira’s value from N1,700 per dollar to N1,500 per dollar.
• Borrowing: A projected budget deficit of N13.39 trillion will be financed through borrowing, further increasing the country’s debt profile.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The proposed budget has generated mixed reactions from stakeholders. While many applaud the government’s focus on defence, infrastructure, education, and health, the allocations for vehicle tyres, SUVs, and office complexes have drawn criticism. Critics argue that such expenditures are extravagant, especially during a period of economic hardship marked by rising inflation and a depreciating naira.

Transparency advocates have called for greater scrutiny of non-essential spending, urging the government to prioritize projects that directly impact the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

The President’s Vision

Speaking during the presentation of the budget, President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing the country’s most pressing challenges. “This is a Budget of Restoration,” he stated, adding that the government seeks to secure peace, rebuild prosperity, and lay a solid foundation for future growth.

Despite the ambitious spending plan, analysts have raised concerns about the feasibility of achieving the stated objectives given the country’s revenue constraints and rising debt obligations.

Conclusion

The 2025 Appropriation Bill reflects the Nigerian government’s vision for restoration and growth, with significant investments in security, infrastructure, and human capital development. However, the spotlight on high-cost expenditures like the State House budget for vehicles and office complexes raises questions about fiscal discipline and prioritization.

As the National Assembly reviews the budget, Nigerians will be keenly watching to see how these allocations translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives. The challenge for the government will be balancing the need for operational efficiency with the demand for accountability and value for money in public spending.