Amid the growing economic disparity, Nigerians have continued to struggle for survival, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a supplementary budget earmarking millions of dollars for a presidential yacht and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for his wife and top government officials.
It had earlier been reported that President Tinubu on Wednesday signed into law the budget that allocates $38 million for the presidential air fleet and other renovations. The $6.1 million that had been allocated for the boat earlier was redirected by lawmakers to student loans a move that was approved by the Senate.
Recall that the Nigerian Navy had on Saturday said the Yacht had taken delivery since June 2023, but it has not been paid for.
President Tinubus Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, defended the supplemental budget as serving to strengthen Nigerias security architecture and address Nigerias critical infrastructure deficit, amongst other considerations. According to him, 30% of the money would be spent on security, and another 35% on provision of critical infrastructure.
The 460-member National Assembly of the nation recently affirmed that every politician will receive a brand-new SUV, purportedly costing more than $150,000 per annum. The politicians claimed that the cars would improve their ability to carry out their duties.
Food costs are currently rising to all-time highs in Nigeria, one of the poorest countries in the world. Also on the rise is the annoyance of common Nigerians, who see politicians get enormous incomes while others, such as medical professionals, frequently have to go on strike to protest inadequate pay.
Commenting on the development, a shopkeeper in the Apo resettlement area in Abuja, Nduka Omeje, said: My ability to eat is a gift from God. It is challenging.
