The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reduce the proposed ₦9.4 billion budget allocated for travels, refreshments, meals, and catering for the presidency, as well as the ₦344.85 billion proposed for lawmakers.
Naija News reports that SERAP suggested that savings from these reductions be redirected to address the nation’s budget deficit.
The organization also urged Akpabio and Abbas to request a revised supplementary budget from President Bola Tinubu that reflects the proposed reductions in both the presidency’s and National Assembly’s budgets.
Furthermore, SERAP demanded the detailed breakdown of the National Assembly’s ₦344.85 billion budget, including personnel costs, salaries, and allowances for lawmakers.
SERAP pressed for action against corruption in government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), recommending that the National Assembly summon officials of implicated MDAs to account for missing funds highlighted in the 2021 audit report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
In a letter dated December 21, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization criticized excessive spending, calling it a violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
SERAP argued that such allocations are unwarranted, especially given the country’s precarious economic situation and the proposed borrowing to fund the 2025 budget.
The letter also highlighted significant increases in certain budget items, such as the presidency’s allocation for “rehabilitation and repairs of fixed assets,” which rose from ₦14 billion in 2024 to ₦26 billion in 2025.
SERAP warned of potential legal action if the National Assembly fails to curb wasteful spending and fulfill its oversight responsibilities.
SERAP criticized repetitive budgeting practices, describing them as a breach of public trust, and pointed out the stark contrast between the government’s spending and the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The organization emphasized that cutting unnecessary expenses would free up resources to provide essential public services and improve citizens’ welfare.
The letter further detailed specific allocations in the proposed 2025 budget, including ₦8.74 billion for domestic and international travel for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The combined travel expenses for both offices amounted to ₦11.63 billion, alongside allocations for food, refreshments, and other recurrent expenditures.
SERAP noted that the National Assembly’s proposed ₦344.85 billion budget lacked transparency, urging lawmakers to disclose its details.
The organization also referenced constitutional provisions mandating government accountability, efficiency, and equitable resource distribution for the public good.
SERAP concluded by calling for immediate reforms to curb wasteful spending, tackle corruption, and prioritize the welfare of Nigerian citizens in budget decisions.
