By Abigail Philip David
The State House has allocated N15.09bn in the 2025 Appropriation Bill for the purchase of tyres for bulletproof vehicles, SUVs, operational cars, and plain vehicles, as well as for constructing an office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
Additionally, a provision of N5.49bn has been set aside for the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa.
These details were outlined in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, released by the Budget Office of the Federation on Thursday. President Bola Tinubu presented the N49.70tn budget, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Key Allocations in the Budget
The budget prioritises defence, infrastructure, and human capital development, with a projected deficit of N13.39tn to be financed through borrowing.
According to the appropriation document, the following allocations were made under the State House budget:
– Tyres for Various Vehicles: N164m has been earmarked for purchasing tyres for bulletproof vehicles, plain cars, SUVs, platform trucks, and other operational vehicles.
– Replacement of SUVs: N1.1bn has been allocated for replacing SUVs.
– Operational Vehicles: N3.66bn will be spent on operational vehicles for the State House.
– Presidential SUVs: N127.86m has been budgeted for procuring SUVs for the President and Vice President.
– Chief of Staff Vehicles: N285m will be used for purchasing vehicles for the Chief of Staff.
– Security Vehicles: N179.63m has been allocated to the Chief Security Officer for operational and security vehicles.
Office Complex and Other Expenditures
– Office Complex Construction: N1.83bn will go toward building an office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
– Honorarium and Sitting Allowances: N2.12bn has been earmarked for this purpose.
Broader Budget Context
The proposed budget allocates significant sums to key sectors:
– Defence and Security: N4.91tn for national defence and security.
– Infrastructure: N4.06tn for major projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway.
– Education: N3.52tn for Universal Basic Education and nine new higher institutions.
– Health: N2.48tn to enhance healthcare systems and provide essential drugs for public hospitals.
Economic Projections
The 2025 budget is based on optimistic economic assumptions, including:
– A projected decline in inflation from 34.6% to 15%.
– An improved naira exchange rate from N1,700 to N1,500 per dollar.
President Tinubu’s Remarks
Presenting the budget, President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s focus on security, infrastructure, and human capital development, reaffirming a commitment to rebuilding prosperity and securing peace for Nigerians.
