The recently disclosed 2024 Federal Government budget has drawn public attention and scrutiny due to its substantial allocations, particularly concerning expenses within the State House, as outlined in documents obtained by Economic Confidential.
An extensive portion of the budget, totalling over N57,427,575, has been designated for residential rent within State House quarters. This substantial figure has raised eyebrows among citizens, prompting inquiries into the specifics of such expenditure.
Details further reveal significant allocations for various expenditures, including sewage evacuation estimated at N26,529,441 and a substantial salary allocation of N1,460,489,744. Personnel costs are projected to reach N2,163,029,381, with salaries and wages accounting for N1,460,489,744.
Within the Presidential Villa, a notable allocation of N6,484,482,950 has been set aside for travel and transportation, covering local and international travel expenses.
Additionally, specific budget allocations for fueling State House motor vehicles (N148,269,415), standby generating sets (N37,959,406), refreshments (N176,521,262), and electricity charges (N260,849,548) have been highlighted.
The 2024 Federal Government aggregate expenditure is estimated at an impressive N27.50 trillion, reflecting a substantial increase of 10.8 per cent from the 2023 expenditure estimate of N24.82 trillion.
This comprehensive allocation includes statutory transfers of N1.30 trillion and a significant non-debt recurrent expenditure of N10.26 trillion.
Furthermore, the budget outlines N8.25 trillion and N243 billion provisions for Debt Service and Sinking Fund, aimed at retiring maturing bonds issued to local contractors/creditors.
The substantial allocations within the budget, particularly concerning State House expenses, have prompted discussions and public discourse on government spending priorities and the necessity of such allocations concerning the broader needs of the populace.
