Buhari: Capital expenditure to gulp 30% of 2016 budget

President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday, presented the 2016 budget of N6.08 trillion to both Chambers of the National Assembly.

The President said that the fuel pump price would for now remain at the present rate of N87 per litre despite the oil glut, while also apologizing to Nigerians for the pains being faced because of the continued fuel scarcity across the country.

The President also blamed the fuel scarcity with long queues on market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders, adding that “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”.

According to the President, 30% of Nigeria’s annual budget will be committed to capital expenditure, moving Capital Expenditure from N557 billion in 2015 to N1.8 trillion in the 2016 budget.

President Buhari further disclosed that after reviewing the trends in the global oil industry, the government decided to set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a product estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016, with plans to focus on non-oil revenues by broadening the tax base and improving the effectiveness of 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”.

According to President Buhari, the government was aware of the harsh economic situation presently being faced by Nigerians, blaming 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.”

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