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Tag: budget

  • Army demands extra N18bn to battle terrorism, vandalism in 2018 Budget

    Army demands extra N18bn to battle terrorism, vandalism in 2018 Budget

    The Nigerian Army has urged the National Assembly to increase its budget by N18. 177 billion to enable it effectively fight against terrorism, pipeline vandalism and other security challenges.

    It also said it should be removed from the zero based budgeting (ZBB) otherwise known as the envelop budget ceiling system adopted by the Budget Office of the Federation.

    Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, made the demands on Thursday during a budget defence session with the House committee on army

    According to him, the envelop budgeting system was making the Army ineffective operationally and this is against the grains of current reforms being carried out.

    The Army, he said requires at least N39, 800 billion capital components and had requested for N261.6 billion, but the Budget Office approved only N233.05 billion in the budget estimates, currently with the National Assembly.

    To allow the service tackle “increasing accommodation deficit, high demand for operational equipment, vehicles, arms and ammunitions in various operations areas across the country,” the Green Chamber needs to increase the budget by N18 billion he noted.

     “It is in consideration of the aforementioned priorities, coupled with the new NA ORBAT implementation that the NA is seeking your kind appropriation of the sum of N39,800,211,098 billion for capital expenditure” he said.

    Buratai noted that in compliance with the budget ceiling given by the ministry of budget and national planning, only N21.623 billion was proposed and that the disparity between the actual capital budget requirement and the ceiling instituted by the ministry of budget and national planning is a “matter that calls for a more in-depth consideration by the National Assembly.”

    “My passionate appeal for N18.177 billion over the ceiling capital appropriation, if approved by this hallowed chamber will enable the Army procure the strategic assets and platforms needed to support the implementation of ORBAT 2016.

    “This will also boost the operational activation of the newly established Divisions (6,7, and 8), cater for the deficiency of arms, ammunitions as well as uniforms to kit the NA personnel.

    “I wish to state that the approval will ultimately enhance the functionality of the Nigerian Army Aviation corps which is established to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Airforce and Joint Task Force (JTF) to combat terrorism, pipeline vandalism and other security challenges”

    Lawmakers agreed that because of current challenges being faced by the Army to tackle insurgency, there was need for it to have some measure of budgetary flexibility, and so the need to remove it from the envelop budgeting system.

    Hon. Rimam Shawulu, Chairman of the committee, noted that  Army barracks across the country were dilapidated. Recent oversight visits of the committee, shows that rather than renovation old buildings, it was better to start up new structures.

  • Enugu targets N30b IGR to fund 2018 budget

    The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) has appealed to individuals, institutions and corporate tax payers to cooperate with the board to actualise the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target of N30 billion to fund the 2018 budget.

    ESIRS Chairman Emeka Odo noted that the state’s IGR improved in 2016 and 2017, as it generated about N14 billion and over 20 billion.

    He attributed the increase to reforms by the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration, which included blocking revenue leakages, and deployment of Integrated Tax Management System, among others.

    According to him, the board has mapped out strategies to meet the target, but noted that tax payers and corporate bodies must fulfil their obligations.

    His words: “The 2018 tax year has begun in earnest. We are, therefore, reminding all tax payers and agents to file their returns of income with identifiable addresses, total amount of income from all sources and relevant information on the tax payers, within 30 days from January 1, to the ESIRS.

    “This is in accordance with Section 41 of Personal Income Tax Act 2011 as amended. It is also important to note that from the first quarter of 2018, the ESIRS will start sending consultants and auditors to institutions and agencies to carry out back duty audit, additional assessment and investigation for the previous years, in accordance with Section 55 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 as amended.”

  • Expert advises govt on early passage of 2018 budget

    The Federal Government has been advised to push for early passage of 2018 budget to facilitate rapid infrastructure development.

    The former President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr. Samuel Nzekwe, gave this advice in Ota, Ogun State.

    He urged the National Assembly to pass the budget on time to allow the government undertake massive infrastructure development in power, roads and rail sector in 2018.

    Nzekwe said: “There is the need for the Federal Government to work according to the budget so that it could achieve most of its goals in 2018.”

    He noted that the late passage of the 2017 budget led to the non payment of local contractors and imposition of hardship on the people.

    Infrastructure deficit, the former ANAN president said,  was the major problem facing the nation. “Stable power supply and other amenities are the backbone of any nation because no economy can thrive and move forward positively without infrastructure development,” he said.

    Nzekwe also said power supply was imperative for the nation’s industries to thrive and provide employment opportunities for youths in order to eradicate poverty in the country.

    He, however, implored the government to formulate people’s-oriented policies that would benefit all in 2018.

  • Sokoto 2018 Budget

    Sokoto State’s 2018 budget, as presented to the House of Assembly by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, will be the last full budget before the 2019 general elections. Expectations are high that the fiscal year will see to the realization of many promises made not just in the outgoing year, but since the administration came on board on May 29, 2015.

    Different sectors and industry players within and outside Sokoto State have high expectations from the budget. Let’s take a quick look at what can be expected from this new budget.

    The 2018 Budget, whose total projections stand at N220,500,264,565.00, has the sum of N67,613,099,000.00 set aside for Recurrent expenditure, while the sum of N152,887,165,565.00 is for Capital Expenditure. This represents a ratio of 70:30 in favour of capital expenditure over recurrent.

    Highlights shows that the largest share goes to education with N57,505,170,420.00 which constitutes 26.10% of the sum. This is followed by health sector which was allocated the sum of N20.932 billion; agriculture got the third highest allocation with N16.535 billion. Similarly, the sum N14,255 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Works and Transport while the sum of N11.560 billion was allocated to Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey.

    The budget, tagged ‘Budget of Sustainable Positive Change’, will focus on completion of the projects started in the preceding year and ensure execution of new ones in line with the government’s development policy agenda. According to Tambuwal, this is a budget carefully formulated to address the fundamental future needs of the people. The plan to complete numerous projects already started will lead to the consolidation of the impact of the fiscal reformatory policies introduced in the last two years. And if all goes according to plan, the 2018 budget will be the most viable yardstick to use to assess the administration of Governor Tambuwal.

    Among the key fiscal components of the 2018 budget is government’s decision to expand areas of cooperation with the private sector in the implementation of projects in areas such as housing, education, agriculture, commerce and industries and roads construction. The fundamental strategy underlying the Public Private Partnership (PPP) as an implementation alternative for development indices is to combine the strength of the private sector and that of the public sector in order to overcome challenges faced by the society to achieve superior outcome. This budget looks set to achieve this purpose.

    In 2017, Sokoto state government initiated moves to reform its tax regime. The entire management team of the state board of internal revenue was sacked and in its place, a new and dedicated team of professionals was appointed. Almost a year after the radical move, figures have shown that internal revenue drive has jumped by 50 percent, with a target to achieve 100 percent increase due to be met in January. Among the measures implemented was the change in the state’s tax structure. With the 2018 budget, we can expect further changes especially in areas of pay-as-you-earn (PAYEE), direct tax and income tax.

    Infrastructure is also expected to be a priority in the budget. The new budget will put impetus on developing rural infrastructure. In that regard, government said it intends to construct 30km feeder road from Kuruwa-Kaurare in Tureta Local Government, 10km feeder road from Goronyo-Birjingo-Tuluttu in Goronyo Local Government, 18km feeder road from Toronkawa-Binjin Muza-Kibiyare in Yabo Local Government Area, 15km feeder road from Kebbe-Girkau-Mazoji in Kebbe Local Government and another of similar length in Yar Tsakkuwa in Rabah Local Government. Others important road projects to be implemented include the Sifawa-Badau, D/Daji-Nabaguda-Tulluwa, Rabah-Gandi-Bakura, Tambuwal-Gurzau-Ganuwa, Isa-Modachi-Bafarawa, Dange-Danchadi and Katami-Birnin Tudu roads. Intervention in infrastructure is not limited to roads. As the budget document clearly showed, important projects are to be undertaken under the ministries of water resources, agriculture, commerce and industry, lands and housing and information.

    Another highlight of the budget is that the state government is now taking the issue of energy resources more seriously than before. Among the projects it inherited from the previous administration is the 38MW Independent Power Project which has now reached appreciable level of progress. So considering the amount of money expended on it in the past, and coupled with its economic and social relevance to the development of the State, Tambuwal said his administration is working towards its completion by the third quarter of 2018. As the governor highlighted, in order to provide the right economic and commercial environment to the people, a new ministry to cater for the energy needs of the state is under consideration. The ministry will be saddled with the responsibility of formulating and implementing policies aimed at harnessing the state’s energy potentials. This will include solar, wind, hydro, bio-mass, coal, petroleum and gas energy resources.

    Sokoto has a made a name for itself as centre for social welfare interventions. This is aimed transforming the lives of the less privileged and also reducing dependency on handouts. According to Tambuwal, the government has pursued this programme consistently through the introduction of vocational skills acquisition programs for women and youths in both the state capital and all the local government councils.   In this outgoing year, the Ministry of Social Welfare took over the payment of disabled persons’ monthly allowances across the State.

    The underlying theme behind government’s poverty eradication strategy is to create job opportunities and sustainable means of livelihood for the vast majority of the populace. This principle has guided government’s policy since it came on board over two years ago. Focus has been on tackling poverty in urban and rural areas with special emphasis on women. This approach led to the distribution of 3,500 motorised pasta-making machines for the use of our women across the State. Looking forward, Tambuwal said the government intends to procure thousands of units of sewing machines, grinding machines and additional 400 units of tricycles, known as KEKE-NAPEP, for disbursement across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. Similarly, government said it intends to reactivate its cottage industries to execute programmes that have direct bearing on youths.

    Sokoto government has vigorously explored strategies that would ensure conducive atmosphere for investment. Such initiatives include the reviving of Sokoto State Investment Company to serve as a catalyst for the industrial and commercial development of the state. In the last two years, a new Organic Fertiliser Production Plant located at Dundaye, a joint venture between Sokoto State government and Industrial Miners Limited, was completed and put to use. The company is producing 15,000 metric tons of fertilizer daily. Another industry developed is the Hijrah Textile Company located at Kalambaina Industrial Layout. Work on the site has now reached 80% stage of completion. Similarly, construction of a Sugar Processing Factory has started in Goronyo. The project is being promoted by a number of sugar entrepreneurs in the state.

    Efforts have also been made to promote Micro, Small and Medium Scale Industries in the state. In this wise, the government, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) is providing soft loans to indigenous entrepreneurs under the SOSG-BOI Fund to boost industrial development in the state. In 2018, plans have been concluded to establish additional Neem (Dogon Yaro) Tree Organic Fertilizer Company in partnership with local and foreign investors; Construction of Ceramic Products Company at Taloka in Goronyo Local Government through Public Private Partnership; establishment of Quarry Plant at Sabon Birni Village in Kebbe Local Government; construction of laboratory centre for sample tests and analysis; and construction of two additional Mineral Buying Centres in the other zones as the state had already acquired one built by the federal government for the Central Zone.

    The take-away from the Sokoto 2018 budget document is that the developmental and infrastructural needs of the economy have not been neglected in pursuit of a consumptive expenditure. What we have seen in the budget document is a broad desire to industrialise the state and hence uplift the livelihoods of its people by ushering decent jobs and opportunities for private capital to flourish. Since 2015, Sokoto has exhibited progressive economic management regimes, the very strides that have been gradually transforming its economy and has continued to deliver dividends.

    • Imam is a Sokoto-based journalist.

     

     

  • ‘Agric, water priorities in Edo’s 2018 budget’

    Edo State government has stressed plans to drive rural and urban development by prioritising agriculture, potable water, roads and market-linkage initiatives for agribusiness in the 2018 Appropriation Bill.

    Special Adviser tothe Governor on Budget Mr. Joseph Eboigbe spoke in an interview with reporters in Benin City.

    He said the government would drive massive rural and urban development programmes to propel investments and improve people’s lives.

    Eboigbe said: “In the first quarter of 2018, the government will roll out urban development master plan that will enable it drive infrastructure and social development in Benin City, the state capital; Ekpoma-Uromi axis in Edo Central and Auchi in Edo North.”

    He said the government would focus on building water infrastructure in Edo North and Central, where there is acute water problem.

    The aide said the state would do this with support of the European Union, as the project will include reticulation of pipe-borne water around Uromi axis.

    “The government intends to revamp two water schemes in Edo Central, to ensure that between 2018 and 2020 drinkable water will be available to people in Edo North and Central,” he added

    Eboigbe said the government would invest in transportation infrastructure in urban and rural communities, adding: “The 2018 budget will enable the government to build roads that will connect farms to markets and industries where farm produce will be required. The roads will also give people in urban and rural areas easy access to hospitals, schools, markets and places of worship.”

  • Akeredolu presents 2018 N171bn budget

    Akeredolu presents 2018 N171bn budget

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State yesterday presented a budget proposal of  N171 billion  for the 2018 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

    Government  earmarked N81.521 billion for recurrent expenditure and N68.096 for capital expenditure.

    The governor said the budget reflected the collective aspiration of the people of the state and  captured the essence of his administration’s blueprint.

    He added that the document was christened “Budget of Progress” in order to achieve the programmes contained in his administration’s Strategic Development and Policy Implementation.

    According to him, his administration will pursue activities targeted at encouraging productivity and creation of real opportunity for the people in the next fiscal year.

    He said the sustained efforts would create wealth for the people.

    The governor, therefore, asked the state Assembly to give the budget realistic scrutiny before approval.

    He praised the legislative arm  for passing into law all the Public Financial Management bills  which had been pending before the House for six years.

    His words: “The 2018 budget is designed to achieve stability, fiscal reprioritization and consolidation to create the base for sustainable growth and development.

    “It is focused on reversing the growth of debt, unsustainable deficits and the burden of interest payments which is almost unsustainable.

    “The 2018 budget estimates will focus on rebuilding the state’s economy through prioritized investment on infrastructural facility and agriculture-related activities.”

    The governor listed the objectives of the 2018 budget as  intensifying efforts on independent revenue initiatives, massive infrastructural development, wealth creation through empowerment of youths, artisans, farmers and market women; and enhancing the community development through improved collaboration with communities, among others.

    On the revenue projection for the 2018, Akeredolu said his administration was mindful of the challenges posed by inadequate revenue to accomplish the budget’s objective, pointing out that he had commissioned some consultants to complement the existing efforts on revenue generation and collection.

    His words: “The expected increase in the contribution of independent revenue to total revenue cannot be achieved in a day and as such would be gradual. Hence, revenue inflow from the Federation Account will still contribute the larger portion of the total collectible revenue for the state.”

    The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, David Oleyelogun, described the budget as life-touching .

    He promised the governor that the House would be given expeditious and necessary approval, adding that the House would support efforts aimed at implementing the budget for the benefit of the people of the state.

  • Budget: AGF gets N3.7b in 2017

    Budget: AGF gets N3.7b in 2017

    The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has so far received N3.740 billion as budgetary disbursements this year.

    Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) Mr. Idris Ahmed made this disclosure during the 2018 budget defence of the Federal Ministry of Finance before the Senate yesterday in Abuja.

    Ahmed said so far,  in the budgetary releases made to OAGF this year include N2.836 billion for recurrent; N404 million for overheads and N400 million for capital projects.

    Before the releases were made, appropriation to the OAGF was set at N2.988 billion for recurrent; N664 million for overheads and N792 million for capital expenditures.

    Meanwhile the AGF has told members of the House Committee on Finance that for the budgeting process to be efficient, transparent and effective, both the Executive and Legislative arms of government needed to work in harmony.

    He spoke during a three-day retreat for House Committee members on Finance and key stakeholders.

    A statement from OAGF signed by its Director Information, Mrs. Kene Offie said Idris advocated for capacity building of the legislature which will have “far reaching positive effect on the nation’s economy because of their roles in timely passage of appropriation bills.”

    In her keynote address, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun represented by Seye Sefunye, emphasised on the importance of synergy among the executive and legislature in ensuring a better understanding of the Federal Government’s reform initiatives.

    In a goodwill message by the Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike represented by his deputy, Dr, Mrs Ipalibo Banigo commended the Federal Government for its reform initiatives including the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Payroll Information System (IPPIS) which has helped effective cash management.

    She noted that there is need for improvement in budget execution and “hopes the retreat would address issues like this including the twin issue of transparency and accountability.”

     

  • Our Girls; SDG: Budget; Kill bill

    Our girls are still missing since April 15, 2014. Pray.

    With 11 days to December 31, we plagiarize the Musical Youth song ‘Pass the Dutchie on the Left hand side’, to read

    “NASS OOOO!!   NASS OOOO!   Pass the budget by the 31st’, Pass the Budget by the 31st.  Or sing ‘All we are saying is “Pass the budget by the 31!st!’”Nigerians should record this and design e-cards to inundate social media, NASS and politicians to fulfil Global Goals Goalkeepers ABC- Action, Broadcast and Change for SDGs 16 & 17 –aiming at a Jan-to-Dec budget cycle.

    Witness the National Assembly (NASS) public hearing on the apparently corruption-fights-back, ill-conceived and malignantly motivated NASS-driven HB585 NGO Regulatory Bill known by NGOs as ‘The Anti-NGO Bill’. Is the bill really to paralyse politically-focused NGOs and religious bodies, unconverted and undefeated by herdsmen and Boko Haram, and to secure Election-2019 with ‘stomach infrastructure’ using a camouflage-cloaked Draconian Decree 4-style Bill? NGO SDG-related activities fight a war of many battles against corruption and endemic voter ignorance and for major restructuring and political reform. Now this war must be fought to keep Nigeria’s 70m + youth contented or entombed at home and away from further inflating the Saharan- Mediterranean slave trade and ‘visa-less migrant crisis’ crossing to fortress Europe and beyond. NGO-championed SDG 16 +reforms include 1] One NASS House –Representatives, 2] Part-time sittings, 3] Modest sitting allowances, 4] Payment of NASS members by home states, not the federal government and 5] ‘Politicians: Get A Day Job’ and 6] Budget and good governance monitoring.

    NASS is a parasitic creation of a mosquito or leech-like parasitic milito-political system. It cannot self-destruct or preside over its restructuring. Nigeria lacks Gorbachevs or Yelsins. NASS seeks to kill these Good Governance SDGoals by strangling the ‘Kill Bill’ advocates-NGOs. Paradoxically, the NASS public hearing returned an honest, uniformly negative analysis. Among the chief spokespersons was the erudite Bishop Mathew Kukah who led an ‘NGO Bill Wake Keep’. We expect ‘We announce the Obituary of HB585’ from NASS. NGOs should fix ‘A National Day for NGO Bill Cremation’. Our NGO, Educare Trust, was represented by our treasurer and former NASS Member, Wale Okediran who also led health sector NGOs. He viewed his successor ‘Tenants Of The House’ from the populo side. His Tenants Of The House is being filmed by Kunle Afolayan.

    Pathetically NASS dismisses citizenry’s concerns instead of correcting its ‘disapproval rating’. NASS wallows in media-hype and self-adoration ‘signifying nothing’, ignoring public anger at the NASS institution and NASS members’ apparent megalomaniacal mannerisms, high-handedness and self-aggrandisement in budgetary allocation to itself and the hauled before it and rubbishing of officials watched by wives and children on TV.

    Sadly NASS appears to portray itself not as Nigeria’s protective eagle, but as a vulture perched on the ‘High Table of Public Hearings’, bullying and pecking at the cowering carrion of public and private sector officials fearful of losing jobs and/or reputations on national TV with no punishment for NASS members who are not necessarily all renowned as ‘Caesar’s wife’ or distinguished and honourable as the dictionary definition projects and who are not ‘shining examples’ of honesty, humility and service – maybe self-service.

    Can NASS ever occupy the moral high ground? Former SEC DG Arumah Oteh overcame a convicted unpunished NASS criminal but SEC was punished by NASS with a zero budget. A NASS member speaking against NASS financing met the Mafia’s silence Oath ‘Omerta’, and was apparently maliciously suspended for one year! Only NGOs spoke out!

    Undeserved perks and pensions have deceived NASS into self-deification. NASS members were uncomfortable when confronted at the public hearing by respected citizens, independent of government and NASS patronage, who could not be intimidated or dismissed, many with the humanitarian distinction of replacing a little of what millions of Nigerians have lost to a greedy avaricious politics. These citizens were forced by conscience to create NGOs, embarrassing themselves, expending their resources, begging family, friends, businesses and even NASS members, for funds. The titles ‘distinguished’ and ‘honourable’ have no ‘fear factor’ to them. Behind the sea of ‘hostile and aggressive’ NGO faces, NASS members should see the tsunami of millions of grateful NGO beneficiaries – all ‘hostile and aggressive’ at a failed overly-expensive criminal governance system most exemplified by NASS excesses and easily corrected by a 90% cut in NASS budget.

    NGOs serve the under-served and repair gaping holes in the tattered social and moral fabric of society abandoned by criminal governments. Our society survived because of the ‘zero percent loan bank’ the extended family, now destroyed by ‘no salaries and pensions’. Are NGOs wasting their time? All NGOs cannot raise N1b locally annually while NASS manipulates or self-budgets N125-N150b! QED. Quad Erratum Demonstrandum!

    Nigeria has always had enough funds –and too many corrupt fund managers! ‘Cutting Corruption’ is the greatest cross-cutting change needed! NASS can do a chameleon change or citizens’ will change it. The ‘Nays’ better have it!!!!

    Give Knowledge as free Christmas Presents. Teach these Educare Trust SDG Goals: [1] To Monthly Breast Exam, MBE add Total Monthly Body Exam, TMBE for everyone, SDG 3. [2] Replace ‘O My God’ with ‘O My Goodness’. [3] Stop the ‘Dirty Slap’ causing blindness and deafness especially in children! SDG 3, 4 and [4] ABC- Avoid Bullying Children-and adults SDG 3, 4.

    NB: Uncover ‘I LOVE NIGERIA’ KNOWLEDGEABLE CANDIDATES for 2019 -SDG 16.

    Merry Christmas- Christ-like, smile at/ help/feed one ‘Christmas’ stranger!

  • Passage of 2018 budget not feasible, says Senate

    The passage of 2018 budget is no longer feasible as it is riddled with inconsistencies according to the Senate.

  • Budget: Reps insist on Minister’s appearance

    Budget: Reps insist on Minister’s appearance

    The House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, has said it should not be held responsible for the late passage of the 2018 Appropriation Bill.

    The lawmakers said they are ready to accept the request of the Presidency for an expedited passage of the budget.

    The House however said for an early passage of the  money bill, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must respond swiftly to its invitation for budget sessions without undue excuses.

    The warning followed the refusal of the House Committee on Commerce to entertain question session with the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, who represented the Minister, Okechukwu Enalemah at the Committee’s budget session yesterday.

    Before the appearance of the Minister of State, Committee Chairman, Sylvester Ogbaga had warned that heads of MDAs that failed to appear for budget session risk his agency having to cope with zero allocation for the 2018 fiscal year.