President Muhammadu Buhari has presented a budget of N6.08 trillion for 2016 to the joint session of the National Assembly comprising lawmakers of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
President Buhari, who arrived at the Chambers at 10.00am said that the fuel pump price would for now remain at the present rate of N87 per litre because despite the oil glut, just as he apologized profusely to Nigerians for the pains currently being faced following the continued fuel scarcity across the country.
The President blamed the fuel scarcity with long queues on market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders, adding, “The current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.”
The President disclosed that 30% of Nigeria’s annual budget will be committed to capital expenditure and moved capital expenditure rose from N557 billion in 2015 to N1.8 trillion in the 2016 budget. He added that having reviewed the trends in the global oil industry, the government decided to set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016, with plans to focus on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies.
He said, “The Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the US$.
“The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the North East, the government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that Bill.”
Buhari added that government was aware of the harsh economic situation presently being faced by Nigerians, but blamed the situation on unbridled corruption and security challenges, adding, “We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.”
Details later….
-Vanguard