President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are set to spend a combined total of N9.36 billion on local and international travels as well as refreshments.
This expenditure is part of the broader "Restoration Budget: Securing Peace and Building Prosperity," which amounts to N49.7 trillion.
According to details from the 2025 Appropriation Bill, released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, President Tinubu will allocate N7.44 billion for these expenses. Of this, N6.14 billion is earmarked for international travels, while N873.9 million will cover domestic trips.
Additionally, N431.6 million has been set aside for refreshments, meals, and catering supplies. Vice President Shettima's budget for similar purposes stands at N1.9 billion.
This includes N1.31 billion for foreign travels, N417.5 million for local trips, and N186.02 million for refreshments and catering supplies.
The substantial allocation for travel and refreshments has drawn public attention, especially as Nigeria faces pressing economic challenges. Citizens have called for transparency and prudence in managing national resources.
The Office of the President has also proposed a budget of N4.76 billion for vehicles, including operational vehicles for the State House and replacements for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
In comparison, between January and March 2024, President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and First Lady Remi Tinubu collectively spent over N5.24 billion on travel alone, according to data from GovSpend, a civic tech platform tracking government expenditures.
The 2025 budget proposal was presented to the National Assembly by President Tinubu and has since passed its second reading in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The budget is now under further legislative scrutiny by the Committee on Appropriations.
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