The Nigerian Ministry of Works has allocated N2 billion in the 2025 budget to purchase vehicles for Senior Special Assistants (SSAs). This decision, part of a N1.07 trillion budget, sparks debate amid economic challenges. Critics argue funds should be directed to essential services like healthcare and education.
The Nigerian Ministry of Works has allocated N2 billion in the 2025 budget to purchase vehicles for Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), a decision that has sparked public debate. The vehicle purchase is part of a larger N1.07 trillion budget for the Ministry, which received the largest share of the proposed N49.7 trillion national budget, presented by President Bola Tinubu on December 13.
While the government justifies this expenditure as a key part of its "Renewed Hope" agenda to stabilize the economy and improve lives, critics argue that such spending is misplaced given the current economic climate. The N2 billion allocation falls under the ministry’s capital projects, which also include significant funding for road maintenance and infrastructure development. The Federal Road Maintenance Agency alone has been allocated N64.88 billion for 2025, but critics argue that the focus should be on addressing Nigeria's growing poverty levels and worsening infrastructure.
The timing of the vehicle purchase allocation has raised concerns, especially in light of the country’s high inflation and social unrest. Some Nigerians view the move as an unnecessary expenditure, questioning why more funds are not directed toward essential services such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. The decision also comes as various state and federal officials are under increased scrutiny over public spending priorities.
While the government emphasizes the importance of improving national performance, political analysts argue that transparency and accountability in the execution of this budget will be key to maintaining public trust.
