By Gabriella Ogbu
The State House has earmarked N15.09 billion for the purchase of tyres for various vehicles, including bulletproof cars, SUVs, operational vehicles, and plain cars, along with the construction of an office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
Additionally, N5.49 billion has been allocated for the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa.
These allocations are part of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, released by the Budget Office of the Federation on Thursday.
The bill, presented by President Bola Tinubu to a joint session of the National Assembly the previous day, outlines a N49.70 trillion spending plan, with a projected N13.39 trillion deficit to be financed through borrowing.
The budget prioritizes defense, infrastructure, and human capital development. President Tinubu, during his presentation, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enhancing security and improving infrastructure.
Notable State House allocations in the bill include N164 million for vehicle tyres, N1.1 billion for SUV replacements, and N3.66 billion for operational vehicle purchases.
The President’s and Vice President’s SUVs are budgeted at N127.86 million.
Other provisions include N285 million for the Chief of Staff’s office for vehicle purchases and N179.63 million for the Chief Security Officer for security and operational vehicles.
Additionally, N2.12 billion is allocated for honorarium and sitting allowances, and N1.83 billion is set aside for the office complex for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
The 2025 budget also includes N4.91 trillion for defense and security, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, N3.52 trillion for education, and N2.48 trillion for health.
The budget is based on key economic assumptions, including a reduction in inflation from 34.6% to 15% and a naira exchange rate improvement from N1,700 to N1,500 per dollar.
