Nigerians Kick as FG Earmarks N238bn for Tinubu’s Air Fleet, others, N2.5bn for Vehicles in 2026

The Federal Government’s proposal to spend N238 billion on presidential air fleet logistics and related operations, alongside N2.5 billion for the purchase of operational vehicles, has triggered widespread criticism from Nigerians, particularly on social media.

The allocations are contained in the N58.18 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill presented by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly on December 19, 2025, after approval by the Federal Executive Council. The Senate passed the bill for second reading on December 23, 2025.

Under the proposal, the Presidency is also set to spend N7 billion on the installation of solar energy systems at the State House, as well as N768.9 million for the replacement of official sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

In addition, a total of N283.85 billion has been earmarked for the logistics, management and operations of the presidential air fleet, a budget line that also covers funding for the National Forest Guard initiative.

The presidential air fleet consists of aircraft used for official duties by the president and other top government officials. In contrast, the Federal Government allocated N12.7 billion for the same fleet in the 2023 supplementary budget.

The forest guard programme, funded under the same provision, is a multi-agency security initiative led by the Office of the National Security Adviser, with support from the Federal Ministry of Environment and operational coordination by the Department of State Services and the National Park Service. The guards are tasked with protecting forest reserves, combating insecurity and supporting host communities. About 7,000 forest guards drawn from seven frontline states completed a three-month training programme in December 2025.

However, the proposed spending has drawn sharp reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s priorities amid widespread poverty. Critics on social media argued that the allocations further demonstrate what they described as the Tinubu administration’s lack of prudence in managing public funds.

Several commentators noted that billions of naira are budgeted annually for vehicles and the presidential air fleet, despite repeated calls for austerity and cost-cutting in government. Others described the figures as insensitive at a time when citizens are grappling with high living costs, unemployment and declining purchasing power.

Overall, the 2026 budget allocates N5.41 trillion to defence and security, representing about 9.3 per cent of the total proposed federal expenditure, a figure that has also attracted scrutiny from analysts and members of the public concerned about fiscal discipline.