The Nigerian Senate has approved the 2023 Supplementary budget, amounting to N2.17 trillion, despite concerns and controversies surrounding certain provisions in the budget. Notably, the budget includes allocations for the acquisition of a presidential yacht and a substantial amount designated for funding luxury vehicles for the office of the First Lady, which is not constitutionally recognized.
The request for the Supplementary Appropriation Bill was made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a letter, urging the Senate to consider the bill expeditiously to address urgent national issues.
The Senate, under the leadership of Godswill Akpabio, passed the bill after reviewing the harmonized report of the Senate and House Committee on Appropriation, presented on the Senate floor by Solomon Adeola, the Senator representing Ogun West.
The approved budget includes several contentious allocations, such as N5.09 billion for a presidential yacht, N2.9 billion for sport utility vehicles for the Presidential Villa, and another N2.9 billion for the replacement of operational vehicles for the presidency.
In summary, the budget is divided into various categories, including N18 billion for statutory transfers, N992.8 billion for recurrent expenditure, and N1.16 trillion for the development fund allocated for capital expenditure. The approval of the supplementary budget has drawn attention and criticism due to the allocation of funds for items like the presidential yacht and luxury vehicles for the First Lady’s office, which have raised questions about their necessity and constitutionality.