The Federal Government has proposed a total allocation of N13,805,814,220 in the 2024 fiscal year for the maintenance and entitlements of former presidents, vice-presidents, heads of state, Chiefs of General Staff, retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, and retired heads of government agencies and parastatals.
The beneficiaries of this allocation include former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, along with ex-vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Prof Yemi Osinbajo. Military figures such as General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdusalami Abubakar, General Ibrahim Babangida, and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd.) are also expected to benefit.
A breakdown of the proposed budget indicates that N2.3 billion is earmarked for the entitlements of former presidents/heads of states and vice-presidents/Chiefs of General Staff, while N10.5 billion is allocated for benefits to retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, and professors. Additionally, N1 billion is set aside for the payment of severance benefits to retired heads of government agencies and parastatals.
The 2024 budget also includes several other significant allocations, including N1 trillion for the public service wage adjustment, encompassing arrears of promotion and salary increases, and payment of severance benefits and minimum wage-related adjustments.
Furthermore, N65 billion is designated for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, aimed at facilitating the reintegration of transformed ex-militants into society. Another N1 billion is allocated for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Energy, and a substantial N108 billion is earmarked for unspecified special projects.
Additionally, the government is proposing N40 billion to settle electricity debts owed by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to power distribution companies. This allocation, listed as ‘Settlement of MDAs’ electricity debts,’ is part of the government’s effort to address outstanding financial obligations in the power sector.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Solomon Adeola, assured that the details of the budget had been released to allay the concerns of lawmakers and the public. He emphasized that circulating these details allows lawmakers to thoroughly examine and understand the allocations to various sectors.
The proposed budget reflects the government’s commitment to addressing financial obligations, supporting key programs, and ensuring the welfare of retired public servants. As lawmakers and the public scrutinize these allocations, discussions on fiscal responsibility and government spending are likely to take center stage.
