2024 Budget: Femi Gbajabiamila’s ₦21 Billion Proposal Raises Questions

In the latest budget presentation for the year 2024, President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, is in the spotlight with a proposed allocation of ₦21 billion. The breakdown of this significant sum includes N10 billion for the renovation of the Chief of Staff’s official residence, N10.1 billion earmarked for computer software, and ₦290 million allocated for the purchase of vehicles.

Diving into the details, the proposed budget highlights specific allocations, such as ₦104 million for computers and printers dedicated to ‘local travel and transport for international training.’ Additionally, the Chief of Staff’s office is set to spend ₦579 million on miscellaneous expenses.

This revelation has sparked discussions and debates over the allocation figures, raising questions about the priorities outlined in the proposed budget. Last week, President Tinubu submitted a comprehensive budget of ₦27.50 trillion for the year 2024 to the National Assembly. The budget, subsequently approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives, includes various sectoral allocations, a borrowing plan of ₦7.8 trillion, and an exchange rate of ₦700 to the US dollar.

As stakeholders scrutinize these allocations, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability in utilizing public funds, prompting a closer look at the intended expenditures within the Chief of Staff’s domain.