2026 Budget: Tinubu, Shettima, aides to spend N12.2bn on trips
The 2026 Appropriation Bill, recently presented by President Bola Tinubu, has sparked national discussion as detailed line items for the State House emerge. The budget, currently under review by the National Assembly, outlines a combined projection of ₦12.2 billion for travel and transportation for the President, Vice President, and their aides. This figure highlights the continued prioritization of international diplomacy and regional engagements within the executive’s fiscal framework.
For President Tinubu, the travel budget is pegged at ₦7.01 billion, with a significant ₦6.14 billion dedicated to international trips and ₦873.89 million for local travel. Vice President Kashim Shettima’s travel allocation is set at ₦1.73 billion, split between ₦1.31 billion for foreign engagements and ₦417.49 million for domestic movement. An additional ₦3.43 billion is budgeted for general travel and transport under the State House Headquarters.
Beyond travel, the State House budget includes several notable allocations for operations and infrastructure:
Executive Operational Costs
• Food and Catering: A combined ₦602.84 million for the President and Vice President.
• Medical Supplies: ₦79.68 million allocated for drugs and medical needs.
• Welfare Packages: ₦541.84 million across the Presidency and State House Headquarters.
• Honoraria & Sitting Allowances: ₦2.21 billion earmarked for officials and committees.
State House Infrastructure & Assets
• Vehicles: ₦11.23 billion for the purchase of motor vehicles at the headquarters, with an additional ₦179.01 million specifically for the President’s fleet.
• Sustainable Energy: ₦7 billion for the provision of solar power at the Presidential Villa to enhance energy efficiency.
• Maintenance: ₦8.48 billion for the rehabilitation and repair of office buildings, and ₦3.84 billion for vehicle spares and maintenance.
• Wildlife Conservation: ₦2.42 billion allocated for the upkeep of the State House zoo and wildlife.
The broader 2026 budget, titled the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” is a ₦58.18 trillion proposal aimed at stabilizing the economy through a “single-revenue cycle” policy. While the Presidency’s operational costs draw scrutiny, the administration maintains that these expenditures are necessary for advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests on the global stage.
