In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has submitted a Supplementary Budget to the National Assembly, requesting funds amounting to over N6.9 billion for the procurement of vehicles, while N1.5 billion has been allocated specifically for new cars in the Office of the First Lady.
The Supplementary Budget, which totals N2.17 trillion, has raised eyebrows amidst ongoing protests against the National Assembly’s plan to spend N75 billion on vehicles. These protests, staged by young individuals in Lagos and Abuja, have highlighted the public’s concern regarding the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
Under the proposed expenditure, N2.9 billion would be allotted for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) intended for the Presidential Villa, with an additional N2.9 billion dedicated to the replacement of cars in the existing pool.
Furthermore, the State House is expected to receive N28 billion from the Supplementary Budget, while the Presidential Air Fleet has been allocated N12.5 billion.
It is worth noting that this allocation for vehicles comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic challenges, which has led to increased scrutiny of government spending.
As debate on the Supplementary Budget unfolds in the National Assembly, it remains to be seen how this proposed allocation for vehicles will be received by lawmakers and the general public.
