Opposition kicks as FG plans N55bn for presidential fleet maintenance
The People’s Democratic Party and the Labour Party have kicked against the N55bn allocated in the 2025 budget for the maintenance of the presidential fleet. This is contained in the 2025 Appropriation Bill sent to the National Assembly for approval. If approved by the lawmakers, over N55.5bn will be spent on total overhauling of three aircraft engines in the presidential fleet, including fuelling, fumigation, air navigation, cleaning, and other maintenance of the presidential fleet. Read more
Athena Commentary: The proposed allocation of N55bn for the maintenance of the presidential fleet in the 2025 budget, as outlined in the Appropriation Bill, raises significant concerns about fiscal responsibility and prioritization in a nation facing economic hardship. The substantial sums earmarked for aircraft engine overhauls, fuel, and other maintenance expenses suggest a disproportionate focus on luxury at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with poverty and basic necessities. Effective governance demands prudent management of public resources, ensuring that critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development receive priority funding over non-essential luxury expenditures. The current allocation appears misaligned with the urgent socioeconomic needs of the populace, risking public disillusionment with the government’s commitment to equitable management.
Nigeria’s Energy Sector To See Significant Developments Q1 2025 — Experts
Experts have forecasted that there will be significant development in the energy sector in the first quarter of this year. This, according to the Society for Energy Editors, would be driven by President Bola Tinubu’s proposed N49.7 trillion naira budget for the year. The budget is anchored on an increase in base crude oil production to 2.06 million barrels per day, expected to drive down inflation from 34.6% to 15% in 2025. Read more
Athena Commentary: The Society of Energy Editors’ analysis of Nigeria’s 2025 energy landscape highlights both ambitious reforms and critical vulnerabilities within the sector. The government’s proposed increase in crude oil production to 2.06 million barrels per day and its efforts to reduce inflation from 34.6% to 15% are commendable yet highly ambitious, particularly given the persistent security challenges in the Niger Delta. The planned fresh oil licensing round, if executed with sufficient political will, could bolster reserves and production capacity. However, achieving these targets will require substantial improvements in security, regulatory transparency, and infrastructural reliability, as historical performance has often fallen short of such goals.
Reps promise to prioritise national interest in 2025 budget review
The Deputy House Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said that the National Assembly has no any other interest regarding the 2025 budget apart from our collective national interest. He said “All we are interested in is the good of our country and fellow Nigerians. So, as we embark on this important exercise, we will look at critical sectors of the economy capable of stimulating economic growth and act accordingly.” Read more
Athena Commentary: The assurance from Deputy House Spokesman Philip Agbese that the 2025 budget review will prioritize national interest is a positive signal of legislative commitment to responsible governance. However, the ongoing economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians necessitate a more direct focus on projects and policies that will provide immediate relief. While the emphasis on critical sectors such as security, health, education, and youth empowerment is commendable, the budget scrutiny should prioritize initiatives that directly alleviate poverty, reduce unemployment, and ensure affordable access to essential services. The House must ensure that each budgetary allocation reflects the urgent need to support the most vulnerable populations, particularly through social welfare programs, improved rural infrastructure, and economic empowerment schemes that have measurable impact on the quality of life for everyday citizens.
Compiled by Kosisochukwu Kingsley