The N55bn allocation for Nigeria’s presidential fleet sparks outrage, with opposition parties and citizens labelling it a misplaced priority.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have vehemently criticised the N55bn earmarked for maintaining Nigeria’s presidential fleet in the proposed 2025 budget, describing it as wasteful and insensitive.
The controversial allocation, outlined in the 2025 Appropriation Bill sent to the National Assembly for approval, includes expenses for overhauling three aircraft engines, fuelling, cleaning, and fumigation of the fleet.
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If approved, the expenditure would account for over half the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s total N105.9bn budget for 2025.
A breakdown of the aviation ministry’s budget shows N71.1bn allocated to the ministry itself, N9.8bn to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, N8bn to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, N10bn to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, and N7bn to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
The 2025 budget proposal highlights the growing cost of maintaining the presidential air fleet, which includes a recently purchased Airbus A330 costing over $100m.
The bill proposes N5.5bn for an engine overhaul on one aircraft and N3.1bn for repairs on two others. Additionally, N8.6bn is allocated for navigational equipment, N1.6bn for aircraft fuel, and N1.3bn for fleet maintenance.
Insurance premiums for the aircraft amount to N311m, with these contracts likely handled by foreign insurers due to the limited capacity of local companies.
Further expenses include N149m for security operations and N7.5m for cleaning and fumigation services.
Opposition leaders and citizens alike have condemned the proposed expenditure. South-West PDP Chairman Kamorudeen Ajisafe questioned the necessity of such a large allocation, while Labour Party spokesperson Abayomi Arabambi labelled the decision “inhuman and satanic.”
Arabambi criticised the government for prioritising luxury over addressing widespread poverty.
Debo Adeniran, chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, expressed disappointment, stating, “This administration has fallen in love with profligacy. It’s time to rethink priorities and focus on citizens’ needs.”
Ordinary Nigerians echoed these sentiments. Engineer Olakunle Aina criticised the government’s insensitivity, suggesting the funds could be better utilised to alleviate national hardship.
A trader, Mrs Aina, shared her frustration, stating, “The thought of N55bn spent on travel is traumatising when I struggle to save even N150,000 a year.”
The opposition and civil society groups have called on the government to reassess its spending priorities. Critics argue that the funds could be redirected to vital sectors like healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
Citizens are urging lawmakers to reject the proposed allocation and demand accountability from the executive branch.
Source: Read more at vanguardngr.com
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
