Akpabio, Abbas Urged To Reduce 2025 Budget For Presidency, National Assembly Reason Behind It

President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reduce the proposed ₦9.4 billion budget for travels, refreshments, meals, and catering for the presidency, as well as the ₦344.85 billion allocated to lawmakers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

SERAP proposed that savings from these cuts should be redirected toward addressing the country’s budget deficit. Additionally, the organization requested Akpabio and Abbas to seek a revised supplementary budget from President Bola Tinubu, reflecting reductions in the budgets of both the presidency and the National Assembly.

The group also called for a detailed breakdown of the National Assembly’s ₦344.85 billion budget, including personnel costs, salaries, and allowances. It further recommended that the National Assembly summon officials of government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) implicated in the 2021 Auditor-General’s report to account for missing funds.

In a letter dated December 21, 2024, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization criticized the excessive spending as unconstitutional, especially considering the country’s economic challenges and the proposed borrowing to fund the 2025 budget.

SERAP pointed out significant increases in certain allocations, such as the presidency’s ₦26 billion budget for “rehabilitation and repairs of fixed assets,” up from ₦14 billion in 2024. It also flagged ₦11.63 billion earmarked for domestic and international travel for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside additional funds for food, refreshments, and other recurrent expenses.

The organization warned of potential legal action if the National Assembly fails to reduce wasteful spending and fulfill its oversight duties. It criticized repetitive budgeting practices as a breach of public trust and contrasted government excesses with the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.

SERAP emphasized that reducing unnecessary expenditures would create resources to fund essential public services and improve citizens’ welfare. The group highlighted the lack of transparency in the National Assembly’s proposed budget and urged lawmakers to disclose its details.

Citing constitutional provisions that mandate accountability, efficiency, and equitable resource distribution, SERAP concluded by calling for immediate reforms to curb wasteful spending, address corruption, and prioritize the needs of Nigerians in the 2025 budget.