In a move that has sparked mixed reactions, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have been allocated a combined total of N9.3 billion for their travel expenses and refreshments in the 2026 fiscal year.
This revelation comes from the recently released details of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, published by the Budget Office of the Federation.
The budget proposal, which was presented by President Tinubu to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 19, 2025, includes a grand total of N58.18 trillion in national expenditures.
Among the key areas receiving significant funding are Defence with N3.2 trillion, Power with N1.1 trillion, and Education with N2.3 trillion.
The Health sector is set to receive N2.1 trillion, while the Agriculture and Food Security sectors have been allocated N1.4 trillion.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also been earmarked N1 trillion for operations.
Tinubu’s Travel Allocation: N7 Billion for Local and International Journeys
The president’s travel budget includes N7 billion for both domestic and international trips.
This includes a hefty sum of N6.14 billion for foreign travel, with N873.9 million set aside for local journeys. Additionally, N431.6 million has been allocated for food and refreshments during these travels.
Shettima’s Budget: N1.7 Billion for Travel and N186 Million for Catering
Vice President Shettima’s allocation is also substantial, with a total of N1.7 billion for travel—comprising N1.31 billion for international trips and N417.5 million for domestic travel. His refreshment budget is set at N186 million, highlighting the administration’s focus on travel logistics and sustenance for its leadership.
Additional Expenditures Include Vehicles, Office Furniture, and Books
The budget also includes various administrative costs. The President is expected to spend N179 million on new vehicles, N778.6 million on office furniture, and N895 million on purchasing books and equipment for the Presidential Library.
Additionally, there are allocations for health and medical equipment and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for both the President and Vice President.
While this budget is subject to the approval of the National Assembly, it has already sparked debate regarding the prioritization of government spending, especially in light of the country’s current economic challenges.
