President Bola Tinubu has signed a N2.17 trillion supplementary budget for 2023 into law, aiming to address the nation's pressing security and economic needs. The signing took place in Tinubu's office at the State House, with prominent government officials, including George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, among others, as witnesses.
The national assembly expedited the passage of the supplementary budget on November 2, with a strong emphasis on seizing the dry season to implement projects like road construction. Notably, the budget had stirred controversy due to certain line items, including the renovation of presidential and vice-presidential quarters, the purchase of a presidential yacht, and significant allocations for vehicles and security enhancements
The largest portion of the budget, approximately N605 billion, is earmarked for security to bolster the nation's defense and security agencies. Additionally, N400 billion is allocated for cash transfers to vulnerable and underprivileged Nigerians, and N200 billion is directed towards supporting agricultural production.
A substantial portion of N300 billion is designated for the repair and maintenance of bridges, including Eko and Third Mainland bridges, and various road construction and rehabilitation projects across the country. The supplementary budget also allocates N210 billion for wage payments, yatch and all