of our promise to run a lean government,
39. In fulfillment of
our promi
webapex.net se to run a lean government, we have proposed a 9% reduction in
non-debt recurrent expenditure, from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35
trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special
Intervention Programs, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent
expenditure to N2.65 trillion.
39. As I mentioned
earlier, the Efficiency Unit set up by this Administration together with
effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of
overheads by at least 7%, personnel costs by 8% and other service wide votes by
19% v
westernmagazine.org . Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to
provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this Government, counts.
40. We will devote a
significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide
critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5
billion in D
ysin.org efence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry
of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors,
nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more
critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.
41. Distinguished and
honourable members of the National Assembly, our 2016 borrowings will be
principally directed to fund our capital projects. Furthermore, the sum of N113
billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing
loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt
service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt
portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings.
42. I am aware of the
problems many Nigerians currently have in accessing foreign exchange for their
various purposes – from our traders and business operators who rely on imported
inputs; to manufacturers needing to import sophisticated equipment and spare
parts; to our airlines operators who need foreign exchange to meet their
international regulatory obligations; to the financial services sector and
capital markets who are key actors in the global arena.
43. These are clearly
due to the current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians
who need it. I am however assured by the Governor of Central Bank that the Bank
is currently fine-tuning its foreign exchange management to introduce some
flexibility and encourage additional inflow of foreign currency to help ease
the pressure.
44. We are carefully
assessing our exchange rate regime keeping in mind our willingness to attract
foreign investors but at the same time, managing and controlling inflation to
level that will not harm the average Nigerians. Nigeria is open for business.
But the interest of all Nigerians must be protected. Indeed, tough decisions
will have to be made. But this does not necessarily mean increasing the level
of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians.
মন্তব্যসমূহ
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন