Emmanuel Ochayi
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the National Assembly to reduce what it describes as extravagant allocations in the 2025 budget. SERAP specifically highlighted the proposed N9.4 billion for presidency meals and travels and N344.85 billion for lawmakers.
In an open letter dated December 21, 2024, SERAP urged Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to request President Bola Tinubu to submit a revised appropriation bill that reflects a reduced budget for the presidency and lawmakers.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFocus on Transparency and Public Interest
Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, stated that the organisation would pursue legal action if the National Assembly fails to address these budget concerns. “The proposed spending on meals and travels is unnecessary and against the public interest, particularly in a struggling economy where the government is borrowing to fund the budget,” Oluwadare noted.
SERAP emphasised that the National Assembly has a duty to disclose details of its budget and reduce excessive allocations.
“The National Assembly must demonstrate accountability by cutting its proposed N344.85 billion allocation. Failing to do so would constitute a breach of constitutional and fiduciary obligations,” SERAP added.
Breakdown of the Presidency’s Proposed Budget
The presidency’s spending plans for 2025 include:
- N8.74 billion for local and international travel for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
- N546.2 million for foodstuff and catering supplies.
- N71.4 million for refreshments and meals.
The details are part of the N47.9 trillion appropriation bill titled Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.
SERAP further criticized the allocation of N7 billion for transport expenses, calling for a reevaluation of priorities.
Legal Action Looms if Requests Are Ignored
SERAP warned it would approach the courts if the National Assembly does not act. “If the National Assembly fails to address this wasteful spending and systemic corruption in MDAs, we will take appropriate legal steps to enforce transparency,” Oluwadare stated.
The group argued that approving excessive budgets while Nigerians face economic challenges violates public trust.
Public Reactions on Social Media
The public has expressed mixed reactions to SERAP’s position.
Arakunrín (@Arakunrin_MFR) wrote on X, “Telling lawmakers to cut their budget is like asking a cat to share its meat. Nothing will change.”
Mathew Ukpong (@Oga_ukpong) commented, “Government overspending fuels inflation. Citizens should resist these policies.”
Others like Kombo (@Kombo96147903) criticized lawmakers’ insensitivity, saying, “They allocate billions but barely deliver on constituency projects.”
SERAP’s Advocacy History
SERAP is known for its advocacy for public accountability and transparency. Through litigation and public campaigns, the organization holds government institutions to account for alleged misuse of funds and constitutional violations.
As Nigeria prepares for 2025, SERAP’s call to action highlights the ongoing debate over fiscal responsibility and public spending.
