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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: WHY YOU MUST NOT FAIL TO HAVE $EX BY 12PM. THE BENEFIT WILL SHOCK YOU| NO 5 IS VERY COMPULSORY.The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reconsider the proposed ₦9.4 billion budget allocation for travel, meals, refreshments, and catering for the presidency. Additionally, SERAP called for a reduction in the ₦344.85 billion allocated for the National Assembly. ...READ THE FULL STORY FROM SOURCE ...READ THE FULL STORY FROM SOURCE
SERAP recommended that the funds saved from these reductions be redirected to address Nigeria’s budget deficit.
In its appeal, the organization also urged Akpabio and Abbas to seek a revised supplementary budget from President Bola Tinubu, reflecting the proposed cuts to both the presidency’s and the National Assembly’s budgets.
Furthermore, SERAP demanded a transparent breakdown of the National Assembly’s ₦344.85 billion budget, specifically detailing personnel costs, lawmakers’ salaries, and their allowances.
The organization also pressed for decisive action against corruption within government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). It called on the National Assembly to summon officials from implicated MDAs to account for the 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 group condemned the excessive spending, calling it a breach of the Nigerian Constitution. SERAP argued that such lavish allocations are unjustifiable, especially given the country’s challenging economic circumstances and the anticipated borrowing to finance the 2025 budget.
The letter also pointed out significant increases in specific budget items, such as the presidency’s allocation for the “rehabilitation and repairs of fixed assets,” which surged from ₦14 billion in 2024 to ₦26 billion in 2025.
SERAP warned that if the National Assembly fails to reduce wasteful spending and carry out its oversight duties, it could take legal action. The organization criticized the recurring budget allocations, deeming them a violation of public trust, particularly in light of the severe economic difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The group stressed that cutting unnecessary expenses would free up vital resources that could be better spent on essential public services and improving the welfare of the nation’s citizens.
The letter also provided details of specific allocations in the proposed 2025 budget, such as ₦8.74 billion set aside for domestic and international travel for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The combined travel budget for both offices amounted to ₦11.63 billion, in addition to allocations for food, refreshments, and other operational costs.
SERAP criticized the lack of transparency in the National Assembly’s proposed ₦344.85 billion budget and urged lawmakers to provide a full disclosure of its contents. The organization also referenced constitutional provisions that mandate government accountability, efficiency, and equitable resource distribution for the benefit of the public.WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: WHY YOU MUST NOT FAIL TO HAVE $EX BY 12PM. THE BENEFIT WILL SHOCK YOU| NO 5 IS VERY COMPULSORY.
In conclusion, SERAP called for immediate budget reforms to reduce wasteful spending, combat corruption, and ensure that the well-being of Nigerian citizens is prioritized in government fiscal decisions...Tap To Read The Full Story Here.
