President Bola Tinubu intends to spend N1.5 billion on vehicles for the unconstitutional Office of the Nigeria First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, despite Nigeria’s spiraling economic hardship.
This budgetary provision is described in the 2.1 trillion supplementary budget for 2023, which has been submitted for approval by the National Assembly.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) adopted a 2.17 trillion supplementary budget for 2023 on Monday.
According to the budget breakdown, the government intends to spend N2.9 billion on SUVs for the Presidential Villa and another N2.9 billion to replace working vehicles for the president.
The government also intends to spend N4 billion on renovating the president’s quarters and an extra N2.5 billion on renovating the vice president’s quarters. The State House as a whole is scheduled to receive a N28 billion budget allocation.
Furthermore, N12.5 billion has been made aside for the Presidential Air Fleet.
The prevalent culture of luxury has alarmed Nigerians who have been dealing with economic hardships as a result of the present administration’s measures, such as the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the floatation of the naira.
Inflation has reached a historic high of 26.72 percent, with forecasts that it will reach 30 percent by the end of 2023, the highest level during the modern democratic era.
Concerningly, the value of the naira has depreciated dramatically, and the loss of fuel subsidies has led to a 400% increase in the price of petrol at retail outlets.
The president and other government officials have repeatedly urged Nigerians to be patient, emphasizing that the current difficulties are just temporary.
However, it appears that the country’s leadership is not entirely committed to the perseverance required for the country’s economic revitalization.
The distribution of 2022 Toyota Landcruiser Prado sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for Nigeria’s House of Representatives has apparently begun.
While the unit cost of the automobiles is unknown, it is likely to be in the N130 million to N160 million range, for a total projected cost of N57.6 billion for all members.
