- Opposition parties reject N55bn budget for Nigeria’s presidential Jet maintenance.
- Critics call the allocation wasteful amid widespread poverty in the country.
- Nigerians demand government prioritize citizens’ welfare over luxury expenses.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party have slammed the proposed N55.5 billion allocation for maintaining the presidential Jet in the 2025 budget.
Critics call it an extravagant and tone-deaf decision in a country battling widespread poverty.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the contentious sum is part of the 2025 Appropriation Bill sent to the National Assembly. If approved, it would cover engine overhauls for three aircraft, fuel, fumigation, air navigation, cleaning, and other costs for the presidential fleet.
For perspective, the entire aviation ministry’s budget for 2025 stands at N105.9 billion.
This includes N71.1 billion for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, N9.8 billion for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and N7 billion for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. Yet, over half of the aviation ministry’s budget is proposed for the luxury of the presidency.
A review of government spending showed N19.43 billion was already spent on the presidential fleet between July 2023 and September 2024. This represents a staggering 66% of the fleet’s total allocation for 2024.
The proposed N55.5 billion allocation has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties.
PDP South-West Chairman Kamorudeen Ajisafe asked if the presidency was planning to buy another aircraft. “It’s outrageous,” he said.
Labour Party spokesperson Abayomi Arabambi went further, calling the proposal “inhuman and satanic.” He said it reflected misplaced priorities, especially with millions of Nigerians barely making ends meet. “It’s a wholesome insult to the masses that the government prioritizes luxury jets over poverty reduction,” he fumed.
Debo Adeniran, executive chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, shared similar sentiments. “This is a national shame. Instead of addressing citizens’ hardships, the government is indulging in wasteful spending. It’s time for Nigerians to demand better,” he said.
For ordinary Nigerians, the numbers are hard to comprehend. Engineer Olakunle Aina expressed disbelief. “Do they even know what hardship means? This money could have been better channeled to something meaningful,” he said.
A trader, Mrs. Aina, put it more bluntly. “The biggest I’ve saved is N150,000, and that took a year. Hearing they want to spend N55 billion on luxury is sickening. It’s like they mock us.”
N55bn Allocation Presidential Jet
Beyond public outrage, critics also question the justification for some expenses. For instance, N311 million is allocated for aircraft insurance, likely handled by foreign companies due to the inability of local insurers to cover such assets.
The debate highlights a stark divide between the priorities of the ruling class and the daily struggles of citizens. As Arabambi put it, “The government’s spending habits show it is out of touch with reality.”
FURTHER READING
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