By Emmanuel Sixtus
Just while Nigerians are still struggling with the understanding of where the country is heading to, an announcement that further indicates that the leaders in the country care less about the future of the country. They have indeed made the country a cash cow and are milking it without any consideration.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to allocate a substantial N55 billion for the maintenance of the presidential fleet as part of the 2025 budget. This proposal has sparked intense debate, with many critics accusing the government of indulgence at a time of serious economic challenges in the country.
The allocation is included in the broader 2025 budget proposal currently before the National Assembly. The funds are intended for the upkeep of the fleet, which consists of over a dozen aircraft used for official state duties and high-ranking government officials.
The fleet continues to be seen as part of the extravagant expenditures the presidency engages in, which further harm the economy of the country and cast doubt on the possibility of lifting the country from debt.
The announcement comes as Nigeria comes to terms with severe economic difficulties, leaving millions of citizens to face rising inflation, unemployment, and widespread poverty. Recent statistics reveal that over 60% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, struggling to afford basic necessities like food, healthcare, and education.
The nation is also burdened with massive public debt, dwindling foreign reserves, and an alarming youth unemployment rate exceeding 40%. Public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, is in disrepair, while the healthcare system suffers from chronic underfunding, leading to frequent strikes by medical workers.
Given this backdrop, critics have denounced the allocation of N55 billion for the presidential fleet as insensitive and untimely. They argue that the funds could be better spent on pressing social and economic needs, such as revamping healthcare facilities, improving education, and creating job opportunities for the nation’s burgeoning youth population.
Budget details indicate that the N55 billion will cover routine maintenance, fuel, staff salaries, and other operational costs related to the fleet. The Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), one of the largest in Africa, includes aircraft such as the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) and several Gulfstream jets.
A government spokesperson defended the expenditure, emphasising the importance of maintaining the fleet to ensure the safety and efficiency of the president and other senior officials during official engagements. “The security and mobility of the nation’s leaders are non-negotiable,” the spokesperson stated. “This allocation is not extravagant but a necessary expense.”
The announcement has drawn fierce criticism from opposition parties, civil society organisations, and ordinary Nigerians, who see the expenditure as a glaring misallocation of resources. Critics argue that spending such a large sum on luxury aircraft while citizens endure severe hardships is unjustifiable.
“This is a government completely out of touch with the people it claims to serve,” said a prominent opposition leader. “When millions of Nigerians go to bed hungry and schools lack basic facilities, spending N55 billion on aircraft is both insensitive and wasteful.”
Civil society groups have called for a review of the budget allocation, urging the government to consider reducing the size of the presidential fleet to save costs. Others have suggested using commercial flights for nonessential travel, as practiced in some other countries.
The allocation has provoked widespread public outrage, especially on social media, where Nigerians have expressed their frustration and disbelief. “How can the government justify spending N55 billion on aircraft when children are learning under trees and hospitals lack basic medications?” one commentator questioned.
Another remarked, “This isn’t just about extravagance; it’s about priorities. Why does the government prioritise luxury while ordinary Nigerians suffer?”
Many have also called for greater transparency and accountability in managing the funds. “If this allocation is finalised, the government must ensure that every naira is accounted for,” a social activist insisted. “We can’t afford to let this money go to waste or corruption.”
Nigeria’s presidential fleet has often been compared unfavourably to those of other nations, with critics highlighting significant differences in size and cost. Countries like South Africa and Kenya have scaled down their fleets in recent years, opting for commercial travel as a more economical alternative. In contrast, Nigeria continues to maintain one of the largest and most expensive presidential fleets in the region, which critics argue is unsustainable given the country’s economic struggles.
As the National Assembly scrutinises the 2025 budget, lawmakers are expected to closely examine the allocation for the presidential fleet. Some legislators have suggested reducing the proposed amount, stressing the need for fiscal discipline and prioritising essential sectors.
“While we recognise the importance of the presidential fleet, we must also consider the broader economic realities,” a senator said. “Allocating N55 billion for aircraft maintenance in a country where many cannot afford three meals a day is deeply problematic.”
The controversy surrounding the N55 billion allocation highlights the growing divide between the government’s spending choices and the people’s expectations. Many Nigerians hope that the National Assembly will listen to their concerns, prioritise critical sectors, and advocate for policies that address the welfare of the people rather than serving the comfort of a privileged few.
As budget deliberations continue, citizens are calling for leadership that truly understands their struggles and demonstrates a commitment to addressing them. Whether the government will heed these calls remains uncertain, but the public outcry emphasises a growing demand for accountability and people-centred governance.
Even though the budget has rattled Nigerians and critics making inputs, it would not stop the passing of the budget, as the president has often said he doesn’t consider critics and would do what pleases him.
The presidency has also influenced the Senate to the point that the two arms of government have organised in a way that the Senate would pass any budget presented by the presidency without asking critical questions.
While Nigerians hope for the best, the passing of such a budget casts significant doubt on the fight to save Nigeria from economic collapse.
