In a move that is sparking widespread debate, Nigeria’s 2025 budget has allocated an eye-popping ₦9.36 billion for the travel and refreshment expenses of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. This significant expenditure, detailed in the proposed ₦4.97 trillion appropriation bill, is currently under review in the National Assembly, and it has raised eyebrows across the nation as the government grapples with mounting economic challenges.

The budget allocation underscores the administration’s emphasis on international engagement and the operational needs of the presidency, but it comes at a time when Nigerians are facing escalating inflation, rising unemployment, and soaring living costs. Critics argue that such a hefty sum for travel and meals is out of touch with the financial struggles faced by ordinary citizens, particularly in light of the government’s ongoing efforts to address the country’s fiscal deficits.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, questions are being raised about the priorities reflected in the allocation and the broader implications for Nigeria’s economic future. With public scrutiny mounting, the presidency’s lavish spending on travel and refreshments stands in stark contrast to the austerity measures that many Nigerians are calling for, further fueling the debate on government spending in the midst of a national crisis.