2026 budget: FG sets aside N238bn for presidential air fleet, N2.5bn for vehicles

The Federal Government has proposed N238 billion for the operation and logistics of the presidential air fleet, alongside N2.5 billion for the procurement of operational vehicles, in the 2026 budget proposal.

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, and approved by the Federal Executive Council. The Senate passed the bill for second reading on December 23, 2025.

According to details of the proposal, the Presidency also plans to spend N7 billion on the installation of solar power systems at the State House, while N768.9 million has been earmarked for the replacement of official sport utility vehicles.

A broader provision of N283.85 billion was allocated for presidential air fleet logistics and management, a budget line that also covers funding for the National Forest Guard operations.

The presidential air fleet consists of aircraft deployed for official duties of the president and other top government officials. In the 2023 supplementary budget, N12.7 billion was allocated for the same purpose.

The forest guard initiative, which falls under the air fleet logistics provision, is a multi-agency security programme led by the Office of the National Security Adviser, with operational coordination by the Department of State Services and the National Park Service, and support from the Ministry of Environment.

The guards are tasked with securing forest reserves, tackling criminal activities linked to insecurity, and supporting host communities. In December 2025, about 7,000 forest guards drawn from seven frontline states graduated after a three-month intensive training.

Overall, the 2026 budget proposes N5.41 trillion for defence and security, accounting for about 9.3 per cent of total federal expenditure.