WRITTEN BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU
In a staggering revelation, the 2024 budget proposal, currently under National Assembly scrutiny, unveils President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s extravagant spending intentions.
With a total budget of N27.5 trillion and a deficit of N9.18 trillion, the focus has shifted to the jaw-dropping allocation of N10.13 billion solely for travels and meals.
The breakdown showcases Tinubu’s N638.5 million local and whopping N6.9 billion foreign trip expenses, while Shettima’s local and international journeys amount to N618.4 million and N1.2 billion respectively, amassing a staggering N7.6 billion for travel. Additionally, N660.5 million is allocated for office refreshments, meals, and foodstuff.Amidst this lavish allocation, eyebrows raise over the N201.4 million proposed for maintaining animals at Aso Rock’s zoo and an N800 million renovation fund, N500 million for Tinubu’s quarters and N300 million for Shettima’s.
The budget’s extravagant nature has triggered widespread concern, with critics highlighting its stark contrast to the country’s economic realities. Anticipated backlash from the public and lawmakers might drive demands for accountability and transparency from the executive.
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