N12.2 Billion Trips: What Nigerians Pay For Leaders' Flights

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and their aides are expected to allocate a total of N12.2 billion for both foreign and domestic travels in the fiscal year 2026. This information emerged from the State House budget estimates presented in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, currently under review by the National Assembly. Travel and transport expenditures continue to dominate the Presidency's budget, with international engagements taking up a significant portion of the funds, despite ongoing fiscal reforms. For President Tinubu, N7.014 billion has been set aside for travel and transportation costs. This includes N6.14 billion allocated for international travel and logistics, while N873.89 million is budgeted for local travel. Vice President Shettima’s travel-related allocation amounts to N1.732 billion, broken down as N1.31 billion for international trips and N417.49 million for domestic travel.

Additionally, the State House Headquarters has been allocated N3.433 billion specifically for travel and transport. The budget earmarks N179.01 million for the acquisition of vehicles for the President, while food and catering supplies will cost N375.19 million. An allocation of N79.68 million is set aside for drugs and medical supplies, and N56.43 million is provided for refreshments and meals. Altogether, the President's total budget amounts to N8.39 billion, with items not specified included in this figure. Of this amount, capital expenditure represents N777.19 million. The Vice President’s budget includes N171.03 million for food and catering supplies, N14.99 million for refreshments and meals, and N21.8 million for honorariums and sitting allowances. Furthermore, the Vice President’s welfare packages received an allotment of N28 million, while publicity and advertisements were budgeted at N11.83 million. Overall, his total allocation stands at N2.64 billion, including other unspecified items, with capital expenditure making up N641.39 million. The State House Headquarters has been allocated a total of N43.20 billion for the fiscal year 2026. This consists of N2.64 billion for personnel costs, N10.10 billion for overhead expenses, and N30.49 billion designated for capital expenditure.

A detailed breakdown shows that N11.23 billion is set aside for the purchase of motor vehicles, N7 billion for establishing solar power systems at the Presidential Villa, and N2.42 billion for wildlife conservation initiatives. Additionally, honorariums and sitting allowances have been allocated N2.12 billion, while office furniture and fittings are budgeted at N2.56 billion. Other notable allocations include N513.84 million for welfare packages, N3.84 billion for vehicle maintenance and spare parts, and N8.48 billion earmarked for office building renovations. The rehabilitation of residential buildings has a dedicated allocation of N44.21 million. Additional budget allocations include N371.80 million for library resources such as books and equipment, N12.19 million for sporting and gaming equipment, and N11.71 million set aside for constructing and providing office buildings. Photo credit: Instagram President Bola Amend Tinubu