Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Federal Government in Nigeria plans to spend N400 million on vehicles for former presidents and heads of state if the 2017 estimated spending by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) is approved. The funds for these allowances were not openly budgeted for in the proposal. The SGF, Babachir David Lawal, defended the planned expenditure before the Senate Committee on Federal Character. The committee agreed that the 10% release by the Ministry of Finance for the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation in 2016 was insufficient, which may indicate a problem between the Budget Office and the Ministry of Finance. The committee will investigate the poor release to the OSGF and seek to understand the issue. The request for more funding by the OSGF is considered "justified" by committee chairman, Senator Tijjani Kaura.