President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima are to spend a combined ₦9.3 billion on travels, meals and related logistics in the 2025 fiscal year, according to details contained in the approved federal budget.

A breakdown of the budgetary allocations shows that the Presidency earmarked substantial sums for local and foreign travels, duty tour allowances, feeding, refreshments and welfare packages for the President, Vice-President and their aides.

Specifically, President Tinubu’s office is allocated billions of naira for foreign travels and international engagements, reflecting Nigeria’s expanding diplomatic, economic and multilateral commitments, while a separate provision covers local travels across the six geopolitical zones.

Similarly, the Vice-President’s office is also assigned significant funds for domestic and overseas trips, as well as hospitality, feeding and official entertainment, in line with constitutional and administrative responsibilities.

Officials familiar with the budget said the allocations were in line with standard operational costs of the Presidency, noting that the figures cover not only the President and Vice-President but also security personnel, protocol officers, technical advisers and support staff attached to their offices.

They explained that the costs include air charter services, fuel, accommodation, estacodes, feeding during official duties, state banquets and meetings with local and international stakeholders.

However, the allocation has continued to generate public debate amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges, including rising inflation, subsidy removal impacts and cost-of-living pressures faced by citizens.

Some civil society groups and fiscal responsibility advocates have urged the Federal Government to cut down on recurrent expenditure, particularly at the top levels of government, and redirect more funds towards healthcare, education, infrastructure and social welfare programmes.

In response to similar concerns in the past, government officials have maintained that presidential travels are essential for governance, investment promotion and national security, adding that the allocations are subject to oversight by the National Assembly.

The 2025 budget, which prioritises economic reforms, security and infrastructure development, was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Tinubu, with assurances that public funds would be utilised transparently and efficiently.