The budget for food and catering supplies at the State House in Nigeria has seen a significant increase over the past three years. According to recent reports, the budget has grown by 20% from 2022 to 2024.
In 2022 and 2023, the allocations for food and catering remained static at N702.95 million. However, in 2024, this figure rose to N845.07 million. The office of the President allocated a total of N856.57 million for the three years, while the Vice President’s office earmarked about N650.84 million. The State House Headquarters also allocated N743.55 million for the same period.
A breakdown of the 2024 budget shows that N253.27 million was allocated for the State House headquarters, N254.27 million for the President’s office, and N337.52 million for the office of the Vice President. This increase reflects the growing demands for various state events, meetings, and hosting of VIPs and foreign dignitaries.
The State House administration has been active in disbursing these funds, with approximately N566.22 million spent on the supply of rice and other food items between March and September 2024. Significant payments were made to companies such as Samdan Global Construction and Resources Limited and Victor Adeks Nigeria Limited for the supply of rice and seasoning cubes.
The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Olufunso Adebiyi, highlighted that the increased allocation has enhanced the performance of the State House, particularly in areas such as staff welfare and capital projects like the renovation of the residential quarters of the President and the digitalization of the State House.
Critics, however, argue that government spending should be regulated to reflect the country’s dire economic situation. Debo Adeniran, Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, emphasized the need for a new constitution to regulate government spending to combat profligacy.
