The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) , a non-profit organization has urged Senate, President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to significantly reduce the proposed N9.4 billion allocation for the presidency’s travel, refreshment, and catering expenses, as well as the N344.85 billion budget for the National Assembly.
The organization therefore called for the savings to be redirected toward addressing Nigeria’s budget deficit and economic challenges.
In a letter signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group charged the lawmakers to request President Bola Tinubu to present a revised supplementary appropriation bill reflecting these reductions.
SERAP also demanded a detailed breakdown of the National Assembly’s proposed budget to ensure transparency in its personnel costs, salaries, and allowances.
SERAP expressed concern over the proposed high expenditure amidst Nigeria’s economic crisis and borrowing plans to fund the 2025 budget.
The organization emphasized that such spending breaches constitutional obligations and undermines public trust.
“The proposed huge spending is neither necessary nor in the public interest, especially in the face of the country’s dire economic situation.
“The National Assembly must reduce its proposed budget and ensure transparency in spending,” the letter read.
The presidency’s proposed allocation includes N8.74 billion for domestic and international travel for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Additionally, N546.2 million has been earmarked for catering supplies, while another N71.4 million is planned for refreshment expenses.
SERAP also noted the lack of accountability for missing public funds, citing the Auditor-General’s 2021 report.
It urged lawmakers to summon heads of ministries, departments, and agencies implicated in the report.
The organization warned that failure to reduce unnecessary spending and address corruption could prompt legal action to compel the National Assembly to fulfil its oversight duties.
“Persistent borrowing is neither sustainable nor fair to Nigerians,” SERAP stated, urging the government to reallocate resources toward public goods and services that benefit the populace.
SERAP highlighted the constitutional obligations of the government to prioritize the welfare and prosperity of citizens, citing sections of the Nigerian Constitution that mandate the elimination of corrupt practices and efficient use of national resources.
The call comes as Nigerians face increasing economic hardship, with SERAP stressing the need for the National Assembly to act in the public’s best interest by cutting wasteful expenditures.
