Tinubu allocates N15.09 billion for vehicle purchases, maintenance in 2025 budget

The 2025 Appropriation Bill has revealed that the State House will receive N15.09 billion for various expenditures, including the procurement of tyres for bulletproof vehicles, SUVs, and operational cars, as well as the construction of an office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

In addition, N5.49 billion has been allocated for the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa, according to the newly released details of the 2025 budget. These financial provisions are part of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed N49.70 trillion spending plan, which prioritizes defense, infrastructure, and human capital development.

Presenting the budget, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” to the National Assembly on Wednesday, President Tinubu highlighted his administration’s commitment to enhancing national security and revitalizing infrastructure, with a projected deficit of N13.39 trillion to be funded through borrowing.

Among the specific allocations for the State House, N164 million is earmarked for the purchase of tyres for various vehicles, including bulletproof and operational vehicles, platform trucks, and jeeps. Notably, N1.1 billion is set aside for the replacement of SUVs, while N3.66 billion will go towards the purchase of operational vehicles for the State House.

Further allocations include N127.86 million for SUVs designated for the President and Vice President, with the office of the President managing these expenses. N285 million has been allocated for the purchase of motor vehicles for the Chief of Staff, while N179.63 million is designated for the Chief Security Officer’s vehicle needs.

The budget also includes a N2.12 billion provision for honoraria and sitting allowances, as well as N1.83 billion for the construction of an office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

The comprehensive 2025 budget proposal also includes N4.91 trillion for defense and security, alongside N4.06 trillion for infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. Significant allocations are also made for education, with N3.52 trillion designated for the sector, including funding for Universal Basic Education and the establishment of nine new higher institutions. The health sector is allocated N2.48 trillion to improve healthcare services and ensure the availability of essential medicines.

The budget is based on optimistic economic assumptions, including a decline in inflation from 34.6% to 15% and an improvement in the naira exchange rate from N1,700 per dollar to N1,500 per dollar.

(With additional information from punch)