Main elements of Nigerian Budget 2017 totalling aggregate expenditure of N7.298 trillion comprise:
i.
Statutory transfers of N419.02 billion;
ii. Debt service of N1.66 trillion;
iii. Sinking fund of N177.46 billion to retire certain maturing bonds;
iv. Non-debt recurrent expenditure of N2.98trillion; and
v. Capital expenditure of N2.24 trillion (including capital in Statutory Transfers)
Key capital spending provisions in the Budget:
•
Power, Works and Housing: N529billion;
• Transportation: N262 billion;
• Special Intervention Programmes: N150 billion.
• Defence: N140 billion;
• Water Resources: N85 billion;
• Industry, Trade and Investment: N81 billion;
• Interior: N63 billion;
• Education N50 billion
• Universal Basic Education Commission: N92 billion
• Health: N51 billion
• Federal Capital Territory: N37 billion;
• Niger Delta Ministry: N33 billion; and
• Niger Delta Development Commission: N61 billion;.
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that his
administration was determined to ensure a departure from dependence on
imported goods to locally made products.
The president gave the assurance while presenting the 2017
Appropriation Bill before the joint session of the National Assembly on
Wednesday in Abuja.
He said he would ensure a new era where Nigerians consumed locally made products.
“For many years we depended on oil for foreign exchange revenues. In
the days of high oil prices, we did not save, we squandered.
“We wasted our large foreign exchange reserves to import nearly everything we consume.
“Our food, our clothing, our manufacturing inputs, our fuel and much
more. In the past 18 months when we experienced low oil prices, we saw
our foreign exchange earnings cut by about 60 per cent.
“Also, our reserves eroded and our consumption declined as we could not import to meet our needs.
“By importing nearly everything, we provide jobs for young men and
women in the countries that produce what we import, while our own young
people wander around jobless.
“By preferring imported goods, we ensure steady jobs for the
nationals of other countries while our own farmers, manufacturers,
engineers and marketers remain jobless.
“We will CHANGE our habits and we will CHANGE Nigeria,’’ he said.
According to him, his administration will work on growing, processing local food as well as refine petroleum products locally.
He added that small scale business men and women would be encouraged
by creating enabling environment for their products to be patronised.
“We will patronise local entrepreneurs. We will promote the
manufacturing powerhouses in Aba, Calabar, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Nnewi,
Onitsha and Ota.
“From light manufacturing to cement production and petrochemicals, our objective is to make Nigeria a new manufacturing hub.
“Today, the demand of the urban consumer has presented an opportunity for the rural producer.
“Across the country, our farmers, traders and transporters are seeing a shift in their fortunes.
“Nigerians who preferred imported products are now consuming made in Nigeria products.
“From Argungu in Kebbi to Abakalaki in Ebonyi, rice farmers and
millers are seeing their products move. We must replicate such success
in other staples like wheat, sugar, soya, tomato and dairy products,’’
he said.
President Buhari stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Organised Private
Sector and a handful of Nigerian commercial banks, had embarked on an
ambitious private sector-led N600 billion programme.
He said the essence of the programme was to ensure self-sufficiency within three years.
The president called on all state governors to make land available to potential farmers for the programme.
“To achieve self-sufficiency in food and other products, a lot of work needs to be done across the various value chains.
“For agriculture, inputs must be available and affordable. In the
past, basic inputs like the NPK fertiliser, were imported although key
ingredients like urea and limestone are readily available locally.
“Our local blending plants have been abandoned. Jobs lost and families destroyed.
“I am pleased to announce today that on 2nd December 2016, Morocco
and Nigeria signed an ambitious collaboration agreement to revive the
abandoned Nigerian fertiliser blending plants.
“The agreement focuses on optimising local materials while only importing items that are not available locally.
“This programme has already commenced and we expect that in the first
quarter of 2017, it will create thousands of jobs and save Nigeria 200
million dollars of foreign exchange and over N60 billion in subsidy.
President Buhari said the true drivers of the country’s economic
future were farmers, small and medium sized manufacturers, agro-allied
businesses, dressmakers, entertainers and technology start-ups.
According to him, they are the engine of imminent economic recovery,
adding that their needs underpin the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
Read: Full text of Buhari’s 2017 budget speech
1. It is my pleasure to present the 2017 Budget Proposals to this
distinguished Joint Assembly: the Budget of Recovery and Growth.
2. We propose that the implementation of the Budget will be based on
our Economic Recovery and Growth Strategy. The Plan, which builds on our
2016 Budget, provides a clear road map of policy actions and steps
designed to bring the economy out of recession and to a path of steady
growth and prosperity.
3. We continue to face the most challenging economic situation in the
history of our Nation. Nearly every home and nearly every business in
Nigeria is affected one way or the other.
4. Yet I remain convinced that this is also a time of great
opportunity. We have reached a stage when the creativity, talents and
resilience of the Nigerian people is being rewarded. Those courageous
and patriotic men and women who believed in Nigeria are now seeing the
benefits gradually come to fruition. I am talking about the farmers who
today are experiencing bumper harvests, the manufacturers who
substituted imported goods for local materials and the car assembly
companies who today are expanding to meet higher demand.
5. Distinguished members of National Assembly, for the record: For
many years we depended on oil for foreign exchange revenues. In the days
of high oil prices, we did not save. We squandered.
6. We wasted our large foreign exchange reserves to import nearly
everything we consume. Our food, Our clothing, Our manufacturing inputs,
Our fuel and much more. In the past 18 months when we experienced low
oil prices, we saw our foreign exchange earnings cut by about 60%, our
reserves eroded and our consumption declined as we could not import to
meet our needs.
7. By importing nearly everything, we provide jobs for young men and
women in the countries that produce what we import, while our own young
people wander around jobless. By preferring imported goods, we ensure
steady jobs for the nationals of other countries, while our own farmers,
manufacturers, engineers, and marketers, remain jobless.
8. I will stand my ground and maintain my position that under my
watch, that old Nigeria is slowly but surely disappearing and a new era
is rising in which we grow what we eat and consume what we make.
We will CHANGE our habits and we will CHANGE Nigeria.
9. By this simple principle, we will increasingly grow and process
our own food, we will manufacture what we can and refine our own
petroleum products. We will buy ‘Made in Nigeria’ goods. We will
encourage garment manufacturing and Nigerian designers, tailors and
fashion retailers. We will patronize local entrepreneurs. We will
promote the manufacturing powerhouses in Aba, Calabar, Kaduna, Kano,
Lagos, Nnewi, Onitsha, and Ota. From light manufacturing to cement
production and petrochemicals, our objective is to make Nigeria a new
manufacturing hub.
10. Today, the demand of the urban consumer has presented an
opportunity for the rural producer. Across the country, our farmers,
traders and transporters are seeing a shift in their fortunes. Nigerians
who preferred imported products are now consuming made in Nigeria
products. From Argungu in Kebbi to Abakalaki in Ebonyi, rice farmers and
millers are seeing their products move. We must replicate such success
in other staples like wheat, sugar, soya, tomato and dairy products.
Already, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Central
Bank of Nigeria, the Organised Private Sector and a handful of Nigerian
commercial banks, have embarked on an ambitious private sector-led N600
billion program to push us towards self-sufficiency in three years for
these products. I hereby make a special appeal to all State Governors to
make available land to potential farmers for the purpose of this
program.
11. To achieve self-sufficiency in food and other products, a lot of
work needs to be done across the various value chains. For agriculture,
inputs must be available and affordable. In the past, basic inputs, like
the NPK fertilizer, were imported although key ingredients like urea
and limestone are readily available locally. Our local blending plants
have been abandoned. Jobs lost and families destroyed. I am pleased to
announce today that on 2nd December 2016, Morocco and Nigeria signed an
ambitious collaboration agreement to revive the abandoned Nigerian
fertilizer blending plants. The agreement focuses on optimizing local
materials while only importing items that are not available locally.
This program has already commenced and we expect that in the first
quarter of 2017, it will create thousands of jobs and save Nigeria
US$200 million of foreign exchange and over N60 billion in subsidy.
12. We must take advantage of current opportunities to export
processed agricultural products and manufactured goods. Let it not be
lost on anyone that the true drivers of our economic future will be the
farmers, small and medium sized manufacturers, agro-allied businesses,
dressmakers, entertainers and technology start-ups. They are the engine
of our imminent economic recovery. And their needs underpin the Economic
Recovery and Growth Plan.
13. Let me, Mr. Senate President, Right Hon. Speaker, here
acknowledge the concerns expressed by the National Assembly and, in
particular, acknowledge your very helpful Resolutions on the State of
the Economy, which were sent to me for my consideration. The Resolutions
contained many useful suggestions, many of which are in line with my
thinking and have already been reflected in our Plan. Let me emphasise
that close cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature is
vital to the success of our recovery and growth plans.
14. Permit me to briefly outline a few important features of the
Plan. The underlying philosophy of our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan
is optimizing the use of local content and empowering local businesses.
The role of Government must be to facilitate, enable and support the
economic activities of the Nigerian businesses as I earlier mentioned.
Fiscal, monetary and trade policies will be fully aligned and
underpinned by the use of policy instruments to promote import
substitution. Government will however at all times ensure the protection
of public interest.
15. First we clearly understand the paradox that to diversify from
oil we need oil revenues. You may recall that oil itself was exploited
by investment from agricultural surpluses. We will now use oil revenues
to revive our agriculture and industries. Though we cannot control the
price of crude oil, we are determined to get our production back to at
least 2.2 million barrels per day. Consistent with the views which have
also been expressed by the National Assembly, we will continue our
engagement with the communities in the Niger Delta to ensure that there
is minimum disruption to oil production. The National Assembly, State
and Local Governments, Traditional Rulers, Civil Society Organisations
and Oil Companies must also do their part in this engagement. We must
all come together to ensure peace reigns in the Niger Delta.
16. In addition, we will continue our ongoing reforms to enhance the
efficiency of the management of our oil and gas resources. To this
effect, from January 2017, the Federal Government will no longer make
provision for Joint Venture cash-calls. Going forward, all Joint Venture
operations shall be subjected to a new funding mechanism, which will
allow for Cost Recovery. This new funding arrangement is expected to
boost exploration and production activities, with resultant net positive
impact on government revenues which can be allocated to infrastructure,
agriculture, solid minerals and manufacturing sectors.
17. I earlier mentioned our ambitions for policy harmonisation. But
we all know that one of the peculiar problems of our environment is
execution. This phenomenon affects both government carrying out its own
functions and the innumerable bureaucratic hurdles in doing business. To
this end, I will be issuing some Executive Orders to ensure the
facilitation and speeding up of government procurements and approvals.
Facilitation of business and commerce must be the major objective of
government agencies. Government must not be the bottle neck.
Additionally, these Executive Orders will widen the scope of compliance
with the Fiscal Responsibility Act by Federal Government owned entities
and promote support for local content in Ministries, Department and
Agencies.
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18. The Executive will soon place before the National Assembly
proposals for legislation to reduce statutorily mandated minimum times
for administrative processes in order to speed up business transactions.
In addition, I have established the Presidential Enabling Business
Council, chaired by the Vice President with a mandate to make doing
business in Nigeria easier and more attractive. Getting approvals for
business and procurements will be simplified and made faster.
19. In 2017, we will focus on the rapid development of
infrastructure, especially rail, roads and power. Efforts to fast-track
the modernization of our railway system is a priority in the 2017
Budget. In 2016, we made a lot of progress getting the necessary studies
updated and financing arrangements completed. We also addressed some of
the legacy contractor liabilities inherited to enable us to move
forward on a clean slate. Many of these tasks are not visible but are
very necessary for sustainability of projects. Nigerians will soon begin
to see the tangible benefits in 2017.
20. We also have an ambitious programme for growing our digital
platforms in order to modernise the Nigerian economy, support innovation
and improve productivity and competitiveness. We will do this through
increased spending on critical information technology infrastructure and
also by promoting policies that facilitate investments in this vital
sector.
21. During 2016, we conducted a critical assessment of the power
sector value chain, which is experiencing major funding issues. Although
Government, through the CBN and other Development Finance Institutions
has intervened, it is clear that more capital is needed. We must also
resolve the problems of liquidity in the sector. On its part, Government
has made provisions in its 2017 Budget to clear its outstanding
electricity bills. This we hope, will provide the much needed liquidity
injection to support the investors.
22. In the delivery of critical infrastructure, we have developed
specific models to partner with private capital, which recognize the
constraints of limited public finances and incorporate learnings from
the past. These tailor-made public private partnerships are being
customized, in collaboration with some global players, to suit various
sectors, and we trust that, the benefits of this new approach will come
to fruition in 2017.
23. Fellow Nigerians, although a lot of problems experienced by this
Administration were not created by us, we are determined to deal with
them. One of such issues that the Federal Government is committed to
dealing with frontally, is the issue of its indebtedness to contractors
and other third parties. We are at an advanced stage of collating and
verifying these obligations, some of which go back ten years, which we
estimate at about N2 trillion. We will continue to negotiate a realistic
and viable payment plan to ensure legitimate claims are settled.
2016 Budget Performance
24. In 2016, the budget was prepared on the principles of zero based
budgeting to ensure our resources were prudently managed and utilized
solely for the public good. This method was a clear departure from the
previous incremental budgeting method. We have adopted the same
principles in the 2017 Budget.
25. Distinguished members of the National Assembly may recall that
the 2016 Budget was predicated on a benchmark oil price of US$38 per
barrel, oil production of 2.2 million barrels per day and an exchange
rate of N197 to the US dollar.
26. On the basis of these assumptions, aggregate revenue was
projected at N3.86 trillion while the expenditure outlay was estimated
at N6.06 trillion. The deficit of N2.2 trillion, which was about 2.14%
of GDP was expected to be mainly financed through borrowing.
27. The implementation of the 2016 Budget was hampered by the
combination of relatively low oil prices in the first quarter of 2016,
and disruptions in crude oil production which led to significant
shortfalls in projected revenue. This contributed to the economic
slow-down that negatively affected revenue collections by the Federal
Inland Revenue Service and the Nigerian Customs Service.
28. As at 30 September 2016, aggregate revenue inflow was N2.17
trillion or 25% less than prorated projections. Similarly, N3.58
trillion had been spent by the same date on both recurrent and capital
expenditure. This is equivalent to 79% of the pro rated full year
expenditure estimate of N4.54 trillion as at the end of September 2016.
29. In spite of these challenges, we met both our debt service
obligations and personnel costs. Similarly, overhead costs have been
largely covered.
30. Although capital expenditure suffered as a result of project
formulation delays and revenue shortfalls, in the five months since the
2016 Budget was passed, the amount of N753.6 billion has been released
for capital expenditure as at the end of October 2016. It is important
to note that this is one of the highest capital releases recorded in the
nation’s recent history. In fact, it exceeds the aggregate capital
expenditure budget for 2015.
31.Consequently, work has resumed on a number of stalled
infrastructure projects such as the construction of new terminals at the
country’s four major airports; numerous major road projects; key power
transmission projects; and the completion of the Kaduna – Abuja railway
to mention a few.
32. We remain resolute in our commitment to the security of life and
property nationwide. The courageous efforts and sacrifices of our heroes
in the armed forces and para military units are clear for all to see.
The gradual return to normality in the North East is a good example of
the results. Our resolve to support them is unwavering. Our spending in
the 2016 fiscal year focused on ensuring these gallant men and women are
properly equipped and supported. We will continue to prioritise defence
spending till all our enemies, within and outside, are subdued.
33. Stabilisation of sub-national government finances remains a key
objective in our plans to stimulate the economy. In June 2016,a
conditional Budget Support Programme was introduced, which offered State
Governments N566 billion to address their funding shortfalls. To
participate, State Governments were required to subscribe to certain
fiscal reforms centered around transparency, accountability and
efficiency. For example, States as part of this program were required to
publish audited accounts and introduce biometric payroll systems with
the goal of eliminating ghost workers.
34. Our efforts on cost containment have continued throughout the
year. We have restricted travel costs, reduced board members’ sitting
allowances, converted forfeited properties to Government offices to save
on rent and eliminated thousands of Ghost workers. These, and many
other cost reduction measures will lead to savings of close to N180
billion per annum to be applied to critical areas including health,
security and education.
2017 Budget Priorities
35. Let me now turn to 2017 Budget. Government’s priorities in 2017
will be a continuation of our 2016 plans but adjusted to reflect new
additions made in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. In order to
restore growth, a key objective of the Federal Government will be to
bring about stability and greater coherence between monetary, fiscal and
trade policies while guaranteeing security for all.
36. The effort to diversify the economy and create jobs will continue
with emphasis on agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals and
services. Mid- and Down-stream oil and gas sectors, are also key
priority areas. We will prioritise investments in human capital
development especially in education and health, as well as wider social
inclusion through job creation, public works and social investments.
37. Our plans also recognise that success in building a dynamic,
competitive economy depends on construction of high quality national
infrastructure and an improved business environment leveraging locally
available resources. To achieve this, we will continue our goal of
improving governance by enhancing public service delivery as well as
securing life and property.
The 2017 Budget: Assumptions, Revenue Projections and Fiscal Deficit
38. Distinguished members of the National Assembly, the 2017 Budget
is based on a benchmark crude oil price of US$42.5 per barrel; an oil
production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day; and an average
exchange rate of N305 to the US dollar.
39. Based on these assumptions, aggregate revenue available to fund
the federal budget is N4.94 trillion. This is 28% higher than 2016 full
year projections. Oil is projected to contribute N1.985 trillion of this
amount.
40. Non-oil revenues, largely comprising Companies Income Tax, Value
Added Tax, Customs and Excise duties, and Federation Account levies are
estimated to contribute N1.373 trillion. We have set a more realistic
projection of N807.57 billion for Independent Revenues, while we have
projected receipts of N565.1 billion from various Recoveries. Other
revenue sources, including mining, amount to N210.9billion.
41. With regard to expenditure, we have proposed a budget size of
N7.298trillion which is a nominal 20.4% increase over 2016 estimates.
30.7% of this expenditure will be capital in line with our determination
to reflate and pull the economy out of recession as quickly as
possible.
42. This fiscal plan will result in a deficit of N2.36 trillion for
2017 which is about 2.18% of GDP. The deficit will be financed mainly by
borrowing which is projected to be about N2.32 trillion. Our intention
is to source N1.067 trillion or about 46% of this borrowing from
external sources while, N1.254 trillion will be borrowed from the
domestic market.
Expenditure Estimates
43. The proposed aggregate expenditure of N7.298 trillion will comprise:
i. Statutory transfers of N419.02 billion;
ii. Debt service of N1.66 trillion;
iii. Sinking fund of N177.46 billion to retire certain maturing bonds;
iv. Non-debt recurrent expenditure of N2.98trillion; and
v. Capital expenditure of N2.24 trillion (including capital in Statutory Transfers).
Statutory Transfers
44. We have increased the budgetary allocation to the Judiciary from
N70 billion to N100 billion. This increase in funding is further meant
to enhance the independence of the judiciary and enable them to perform
their functions effectively.
Recurrent Expenditure
45. A significant portion of recurrent expenditure has been
provisioned for the payment of salaries and overheads in institutions
that provide critical public services. The budgeted amounts for these
items are:
· N482.37 billion for the Ministry of Interior;
· N398.01 billion for Ministry of Education;
· N325.87 billion for Ministry of Defence; and
· N252.87 billion for Ministry of Health.
46. We have maintained personnel costs at about N1.8 trillion. It is
important that we complete the work that we have started of ensuring the
elimination of all ghost workers from the payroll. Accordingly,
adequate provision has been made in the 2017 Budget to ensure all
personnel that are not enrolled on the Integrated Personnel Payroll
Information System platform are captured.
47. We have tasked the Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of
Finance to cut certain overhead costs by 20%. We must eliminate all
non-essential costs so as to free resources to fund our capital
expenditure.
Capital Expenditure
48. The size of the 2017 capital budget of N2.24 trillion (inclusive
of capital in Statutory Transfers), or 30.7% of the total budget,
reflects our determination to spur economic growth. These capital
provisions are targeted at priority sectors and projects.
49. Specifically, we have maintained substantially higher allocations
for infrastructural projects which will have a multiplier effect on
productivity, employment and also promote private sector investments
into the country.
50. Key capital spending provisions in the Budget include the following:
• Power, Works and Housing: N529billion;
• Transportation: N262 billion;
• Special Intervention Programmes: N150 billion.
• Defence: N140 billion;
• Water Resources: N85 billion;
• Industry, Trade and Investment: N81 billion;
• Interior: N63 billion;
• Education N50 billion
• Universal Basic Education Commission: N92 billion
• Health: N51 billion
• Federal Capital Territory: N37 billion;
• Niger Delta Ministry: N33 billion; and
• Niger Delta Development Commission: N61 billion;
51. N100 billion has been provided in the Special Intervention
programme as seed money into the N1 trillion Family Homes Fund that will
underpin a new social housing programme. This substantial expenditure
is expected to stimulate construction activity throughout the country.
52. Efforts to fast-track the modernization of our railway system
will receive further boost through the allocation of N213.14 billion as
counterpart funding for the Lagos-Kano, Calabar-Lagos,
Ajaokuta-Itakpe-Warri railway, and Kaduna-Abuja railway projects. As I
mentioned earlier, in 2016, we invested a lot of time ensuring the paper
work is done properly while negotiating the best deal for Nigeria. I
must admit this took longer than expected but I am optimistic that these
projects will commence in 2017 for all to see.
53. Given the emphasis placed on industrialization and supporting
SMEs, a sum of N50 billion has been set aside as Federal Government’s
contribution for the expansion of existing, as well as the development
of new, Export Processing and Special Economic Zones. These will be
developed in partnership with the private sector as we continue our
efforts to promote and protect Nigerian businesses. Furthermore, as the
benefits of agriculture and mining are starting to become visible, I
have instructed that the Export Expansion Grant be revived in the form
of tax credits to companies. This will further enhance the development
of some agriculture and mining sector thereby bringing in more
investments and creating more jobs. The sum of N20 billion has been
voted for the revival of this program.
54. Our small- and medium-scale businesses continue to face
difficulties in accessing longer term and more affordable credit. To
address this situation, a sum of N15 billion has been provided for the
recapitalization of the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture. In
addition, the Development Bank of Nigeria will soon start operations
with US$1.3 billion focused exclusively on Small and Medium-Sized
Enterprises.
55. Agriculture remains at the heart of our efforts to diversify the
economy and the proposed allocation to the sector this year is at a
historic high of N92billion. This sum will complement the existing
efforts by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and CBN to boost
agricultural productivity through increased intervention funding at
single digit interest rate under the Anchor Borrowers Programme,
commercial agricultural credit scheme and The Nigeria Incentive-Based
Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending. Accordingly, our
agricultural policy will focus on the integrated development of the
agricultural sector by facilitating access to inputs, improving market
access, providing equipment and storage as well as supporting the
development of commodity exchanges.
56. Government realizes that achieving its goals with regard to job
creation, also requires improving the skills of our labour force,
especially young people. We have accordingly made provision, including
working with the private sector and State Governments, to establish and
operate model technical and vocational education institutes.
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57. We propose with regard to healthcare to expand coverage through
support to primary healthcare centres and expanding the National Health
Insurance Scheme.
58. The 2017 Budget estimates retains the allocation of N500 billion
to the Special Intervention programme consisting of the Home-grown
School Feeding Programme, Government Economic Empowerment programme,
N-Power Job Creation Programme to provide loans for traders and
artisans, Conditional Cash Transfers to the poorest families and the new
Family Homes Fund (social housing scheme). The N-Power Programme has
recently taken off with the employment of 200,000 graduates across the
country, while the School Feeding Programme has commenced in a few
States, where the verification of caterers has been completed
59. As we pursue economic recovery, we must remain mindful of issues
of sustainable and inclusive growth and development. The significant
vote for the Federal Ministry of Water Resources reflects the importance
attached to integrated water resource management. In this regard, many
river-basin projects have been prioritized for completion in 2017.
Similarly, the increased vote of N9.52 billion for the Federal Ministry
of Environment (an increase of 92% over the 2016 allocation) underscores
the greater attention to matters of the environment, including climate
change and leveraging private sector funding for the clean-up of the
Niger Delta.
60. Provision has also been made in these estimates for activities
that will foster a safe and conducive atmosphere for the pursuit of
economic and social activities. In this regard, the allocation for the
Presidential Amnesty Programme has been increased to N65 billion in the
2017 Budget. Furthermore, N45 billion in funding has been provisioned
for the rehabilitation of the North East to complement the funds
domiciled at the Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative as
well as commitments received from the multinational donors.
Conclusion
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61. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished and honourable
members of the National Assembly, I cannot end without commending the
National Assembly for its support in steering our economy on a path of
sustained and inclusive growth. This generation has an opportunity to
move our country from an unsustainable growth model – one that is
largely dependent on oil earnings and imports, to an economy that
focuses on using local labour and local raw materials. We cannot afford
to let this opportunity slip by. We must all put our differences aside
and work together to make this country succeed. The people that voted us
into these esteemed positions are looking to us to make a difference.
To change the course of this nation. I have no doubt in my mind that by
working together, we will put Nigeria back on the path that its founding
fathers envisaged.
62. This Budget, therefore, represents a major step in delivering on
our desired goals through a strong partnership across the arms of
government and between the public and private sectors to create
inclusive growth. Implementation will move to centre-stage as we proceed
with the process of re-balancing our economy, exiting recession and
insulating it from future external and domestic shocks.
63. I thank you all for your patience and patriotism.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria.
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REACTIONS :
Some stakeholders and economic experts in Borno on Wednesday expressed
mixed feelings over the 2017 budget presented by President Muhammadu
Buhari.
Some said they were confident about the president’s political will,
while others predicted a robust economic outlook in 2017, with drastic
economic reforms imminent.
Abdullahi Gana, a civil servant, said the 2016 budget had not yielded much positive results.
“What particular project has been carried out with the 2016 budgetary
figures. The citizens haven’t felt the benefits of this year’s
budgetary dispensations and are very hungry.
“They cannot find the time to listen or read about 2017 figures when that of 2016 hasn’t helped their lives.
“The government must find a way to circulate money in the economy so
that it gets to the impoverished and hungry citizens,” Mr. Gana said.
“President Buhari said the 2017 budget would contain proposals and
packages that would lead Nigeria out of the present economic recession.
“We are glad that most of the government policies are targeted at reducing unemployment and poverty, and wealth creation.
“The social intervention programme of N500 billion in the 2017 budget
would go a long way to cushion the hardship of Nigerians,” he said.
Bulama Baba, another civil servant, said the effort of the government to diversify the economy was very commendable.
“By declaring that the economy must be diversified, the president has
said it all; that is his economic policy and the direction of his
government.
“It is left for those in the business environment to change the way
business is done, to turn around agriculture, mining, local production
of the basic needs of the Nigerian people.
“Come to think of it, after all what is budgeting and how does it affect the welfare of the people.
“Budgets are just guidelines in spending if you have and want to spend or proposals.
“In 2016, the government made a projection (budget) on income and expenditure based on a certain amount of crude sales.
“Unfortunately, that is not realisable because of obvious reasons,
fall in crude price which accounts for 80 per cent of government
revenue.
“That has already created a gap and it means readjustment to give more attention to priority areas.”
Muhammad Ciroma said if all proposals that the president presented in
the assembly would be executed with integrity, Nigeria would have no
cause to be broke.
“It is no doubt that the PMB government has made significant gains in terms of governance and transparency in the oil sector.
“The government must therefore monitor effectiveness of operations at
the refineries and show a readiness to tackle difficult issues,
especially the Niger Delta militants.”
Muhammad Askira, a lecturer at Ramat Polytechnic, said: “By what
ensued in the 2016 budget, it has brought out the fact that budgets were
never holistically prepared in this country for anything at all.
“It was cut and paste actually, nobody cares so long as money will be
made available to be shared, with no accounting procedures followed and
budget monitoring nonexistent.
“Supposing there was no change in government from PDP to APC, you and
I would never have known the inadequacies in running the government of
Nigeria or any government before, for that matter.
“It was just a bandwagon; people were carried along to ‘eat’ what was offered them and no questions asked.
“The onus (is) on this administration to put things rightly in place
and do things the right way is enough exercise to last it through its
first four years,” Mr. Askira said.
However, Friday Nwadinobi, a resident of Gwange quarters, said
polarisation of the country along so many fault lines was affecting
governance.
“The loyalty any leader gets from the civil servants or subordinates depends on ethno religious beliefs or alignment.
“Saboteurs are everywhere. And for a government that has clearly
declared war on corruption, when even the head of an arm of government
is under trial, leaves so much to be desired.
“Criticising the government that is bringing change may not be the solution.
“The presidency must come out and educate Nigerians the more on what
it is doing, because they are doing so much to get us out of the
problems we are in; but only those who have ears to listen or eyes to
see can assimilate that.
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“When economists are criticising the economic team because they feel
they know it all and should have been part of it, then you know that
something is wrong with us.
“Is the implementation of the TSA not a great departure from previous
economic policies ? Is that not enough to praise the political will and
decision of the government ?
“For the government to survive to this point, with all the problems
it inherited like Niger Delta crises, corruption, insecurity, poor
infrastructure and many others, the government of President Muhammadu
Buhari deserves commendation,” Mr. Nwadinobi said.
