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Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu presents N27.5 trillion 2024 budget of ‘Renewed Hope’

Published

1 year ago

November 29, 2023

Exactly six months after his inauguration, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, presented the N27.5 trillion 2024 budget proposal to a joint session of the 10th National Assembly in Abuja.

The president said, “The 2024 Appropriation has been themed the Budget of Renewed Hope” with intentions to achieve job-rich economic growth, macro-economic stability, a better investment environment, enhanced human capital development, as well as poverty reduction and greater access to social security.

“Defence and internal security are accorded top priority. The internal security architecture will be overhauled to enhance law enforcement capabilities and safeguard lives, property, and investments across the country,” he said in his presentation on Wednesday.

The budget also prioritizes human development, with particular attention to children, whom he called “the foundation of our nation”.

The Nigerian government under Tinubu has sought to stabilize the country’s economy with two major policy actions: the removal of petrol subsidies to address fiscal wastage, and the unification of the exchange rate. Although the policies have yet to positively impact standard of living, Tinubu insisted that the Nigerian economy had performed well in 2023 despite the challenges, and the government continued to meet its obligations.

According to him, “an aggregate revenue of 11.045 trillion naira was projected to fund the 2023 Budget of 24.82 trillion naira with a deficit of about 6.1% of GDP. However, as of September 30, the Federal Government’s actual aggregate revenue inflow was 8.65 trillion naira, approximately 96% of the targeted 8.28 trillion naira”.

Tinubu commended the legislature for its swift consideration and passage of the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill and the 2024–2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper last week. He noted that their “prompt action underscores your devotion to economic development and to the greater welfare of our people.”

Nigeria’s main revenue source is oil, but earnings have been affected by its industrial-scale theft, and dwindling global oil prices. However, it produced 1.49 million barrels of oil per day last month, the most in nearly two years, after increasing its output by 60,000 barrels per day.

Related Topics:2024 Budget Featured Nigeria President Bola Tinubu

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Moroccan annual inflation rises to 0.8% in November

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Morocco’s statistics office has confirmed that the country’s annual inflation rate, as determined by the consumer price index, increased from 0.7% in October to 0.8% in November.

Monthly, consumer prices decreased by 0.2% from October.

The primary driver of inflation, food costs, grew by 0.8% compared to the previous year, while non-food inflation climbed by 0.7%. Core inflation, which does not include more erratic items like food, increased 2.6% annually and 0.2% monthly.

According to the central bank, inflation is expected to average 1% this year, down from 6.1% last year.

Despite the Al-Haouz earthquake, a spike in inflation, and worldwide economic challenges, Morocco’s GDP grew by 3.4% in 2023.

A recovery in tourism, robust industrial exports, and rising private consumption—all bolstered by prudent macroeconomic policies—were the main drivers of growth.

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Nigeria’s $42bn foreign reserves enough for 9 months’ imports— Central Bank

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

According to Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the nation’s $42.01 billion in foreign reserves can cover imports of goods and services for almost nine months.

Cardoso promised Nigerians improved economic fortunes in 2025 while addressing the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions yesterday in Abuja at the presentation of the performance index report.

Cardoso stated: “External Reserves rose from $ 38.35 billion it was on September 30, 2024, to $ 42.01 billion as of December 12, 2024”.

He clarified that third-party receipts in Q3 2024 and revenues from taxes connected to crude oil were the main drivers of the rise in foreign reserves during the specified time.

“We saw remarkable improvements in our trade balance and maintained a current account surplus,” he added.

“Our external reserves level can finance over 9.09 months of import of goods and services or 13.91 months only, higher than the international benchmark of 3.0 months and a robust buffer against shocks”.

On cash shortage, the CBN boss reiterated the N150 million fine against any branch of banks caught illegally distributing new Naira notes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous elements and said the Nigerian economy will improve in 2025 through policies and measures.

He predicted a stronger economic future: “Despite our economy’s challenges, there are clear reasons for optimism.

“The gradual stabilization of the forex market, ongoing banking sector recapitalization, and positive growth trends in key sectors, especially the services sector, indicate a path toward recovery and stability.”