Nigerian President Defies Criticism, Approves $2.8 Billion Budget

President Bola Tinubu has enacted a U.S.$2.8 billion supplementary budget despite widespread criticism from citizens grappling with a cost-of-living crisis. The budget includes funding for new bulletproof cars for the president and his wife.

The budget also allocates about U.S.$38 million for the presidential air fleet, vehicles, and the renovation of residential quarters for the president, vice president, and the president's wife. The budget sparked anger and criticism from citizens.

The House of Representatives rejected the government's plan to buy a U.S.$6.1 million presidential yacht, which had been criticised by Nigerians as a waste of money on luxuries during an economic crisis. The budget for the yacht was listed under the U.S.$53 million budget allocated to the Nigerian Navy but it was moved to the student loan section by the House.

President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023 with a promise to cut waste and ease people's financial hardship.

Nigeria's annual inflation rose to 26.7% in September, according to official statistics.

This article originally appeared on AllAfrica

Image by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu / Facebook