Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to cut the proposed N9.4 billion presidency budget for travels, meals, and other expenses, as well as the proposed N344.85 billion National Assembly budget.
SERAP argued that these budgets are excessive and unnecessary, especially considering the country’s dire economic situation and the level of proposed borrowing to fund the 2025 budget.
The organization believes that reducing these budgets would help address the budget deficit and debt problems facing the country.
Some of the specific expenses that SERAP is questioning include N8.74 billion for local and international trips for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2025.
Others were N546.2 million.for food and catering supplies N71.4 million for refreshment and meals and N87.6 million for honorarium and sitting allowances
SERAP also called on the National Assembly to disclose the detailed breakdown of its proposed budget, including personnel costs, salaries, and allowances of lawmakers.
The organization believes that this transparency is essential to ensure accountability and prevent corruption.
The body urged the National Assembly to investigate the alleged corrupt ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and to hold them accountable for the missing billions of naira of public funds.
Africa Investigative Magazine gathered that SERAP’s demands were aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible spending in the Nigerian government.
By cutting unnecessary expenses and ensuring transparency, the organization believes that the government can better serve the needs of its citizens and address the country’s economic challenges.
