President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are projected to spend a combined ₦9.36 billion on local and foreign travels, as well as food and refreshments, in the 2026 fiscal year, according to details contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
Figures obtained from the budget document released by the Budget Office of the Federation on Thursday show that the Presidency made significant provisions for official movements and hospitality expenses amid a proposed national budget of ₦58.18 trillion.
President Tinubu presented the 2026 budget estimate to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 19, 2025, where he emphasised that national security remains the backbone of economic growth, investment and social stability.
A breakdown of the 2,790-page budget document reveals that President Tinubu alone is expected to spend ₦7.01 billion on both local and international travels, while ₦431.6 million was earmarked for foodstuffs, catering materials, refreshments and meals.
Further details indicate that ₦873.9 million was allocated for the President’s local travels, while foreign trips are projected to consume ₦6.14 billion.
Vice President Shettima, on the other hand, is expected to spend ₦1.73 billion on local and international travels, alongside ₦186 million budgeted for food and refreshments. His local travel expenses are pegged at ₦417.5 million, while international trips are estimated at ₦1.31 billion.
In addition to travel and hospitality costs, the budget proposal shows that ₦65.77 million has been set aside for honorarium and sitting allowances for the President. The Presidency also budgeted ₦895 million for the purchase of library books and equipment.
Other capital expenditures include ₦179 million for the purchase of vehicles, ₦778.6 million for office furniture and fittings, and ₦1.34 million for health and medical equipment. A total of ₦89.5 million was also allocated for the ongoing procurement of Sport Utility Vehicles for both the President and the Vice President.
Beyond the Presidency, the 2026 budget proposes ₦3.2 trillion for Defence, ₦2.3 trillion for Education, ₦2.1 trillion for Health and Social Welfare, and ₦1.4 trillion for Agriculture and Food Security. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to receive ₦1 trillion.
The Senate passed the Appropriation Bill for second reading on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, paving the way for detailed scrutiny of the proposed spending plan by lawmakers in the coming weeks.
The allocations have already sparked conversations among Nigerians, particularly against the backdrop of economic pressures, rising living costs and ongoing calls for fiscal discipline in government spending.
