Budget Breakdown: Former Presidents, Officials to Receive N13.8 Billion Upkeep Allowance

In the proposed 2024 fiscal year, the Federal Government of Nigeria has set aside a staggering N13,805,814,220 for the upkeep of former presidents, vice-presidents, heads of state, Chiefs of General Staff, retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, and other retired heads of government agencies. This allocation includes notable figures such as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as ex-vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

A breakdown of the budget reveals that N2.3 billion is earmarked for former presidents and heads of states, while N10.5 billion is proposed for retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, and professors. Additionally, N1 billion is allocated for the payment of severance benefits to retired heads of government agencies and parastatals.

Another significant allocation is N65 billion for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, aimed at supporting the reintegration of transformed ex-militants. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Energy is allotted N1 billion, and N108 billion is allocated for unnamed special projects.

In an effort to address outstanding debts, the government has proposed N40 billion to settle electricity debts owed by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to power distribution companies.

The sectoral allocation details were released by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Solomon Adeola, to address concerns among lawmakers and the public. Adeola emphasized the importance of transparency and provided lawmakers with the opportunity to review the allocations to various sectors.

The proposed budget also outlines substantial allocations to various ministries, with the Ministry of Works receiving N521.3 billion, followed by the Ministry of Finance with N519.9 billion. Other significant allocations include N308.2 billion for the Ministry of Defence, N304.4 billion for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and N265.4 billion for the Education ministry.

Meanwhile, reactions from economists, lawyers, and civil society organizations suggest concerns about the government’s priorities, with calls for a reconsideration of allocations in light of economic challenges faced by the citizens.

In a related development, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed optimism that the 2024 budget, totaling N27.5 trillion, would usher in a transformative era, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

As the budget progresses through the legislative process, citizens and lawmakers alike await further deliberations and potential adjustments to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders.