The Nigerian government has allocated N13,805,814,220 in the 2024 fiscal year to maintain various former political and military leaders, retired officials, and government agencies. Among these beneficiaries are past presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as former vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
Additionally, these allocations will benefit former military rulers General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdusalami Abubakar, General Ibrahim Babangida, and retired Chief of General Staff Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe.
The funding distribution is as follows:
- N2.3 billion for the entitlements of former presidents/heads of state and vice presidents/chief of general staff.
- N10.5 billion for benefits to retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, and professors.
- N1 billion for the severance benefits to retired heads of government agencies and parastatals.
Other government allocations are as follows:
- N65 billion for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, aimed at reintegrating transformed ex-militants.
- N1 billion for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Energy.
- N108 billion for unnamed special projects.
- N100 billion for zonal intervention or constituency projects for federal lawmakers.
- N200 billion for capital contingencies.
- N685.6 billion for funding aid and grants projects.
- N100 billion for the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is optimistic that the 2024 budget will initiate substantial improvements in Nigeria after being passed by the National Assembly and contribute to fulfilling the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope agenda. This agenda seeks to foster inclusivity and improve the lives and opportunities of all Nigerian citizens, specifically targeting youth and women.
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