2021 Budget of Economic Recovery & Resilience: Details, timelines

1. Timelines/Key Indicators

• • October 8, 2020 – Proposal for N13.08trillion 2021 FGN Budget of ‘Economic Recovery and Resilience’ was laid before the National Assembly.
  • December 21, 2020 – National Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill of N13.6trillion, about over N505.61 billion higher than proposed
  • December 31, 2020 – President Buhari signed the 2021 Appropriation Act
  • The President said the budget underscored his administration’s commitment to firmly return the country to a January–December Budget cycle.
  • The objective Budget is to reposition the Nigerian economy on the path of recovery, growth and resilience.

The parameters & fiscal assumptions underpinning the Budget were:

• Crude oil benchmark price of $40 per barrel.
• Daily oil production capacity of 1.86million barrels (inclusive of Condensates of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day).
• Exchange Rate of N379 per U.S. Dollar.
• GDP growth of 3.0%.
• Inflation rate of 11.95%.
• Revenue – N7.886trillion
• Deficit – N5.196trillion
• Other Revenue Sources N4.386trillion
• Oil Revenue – N2.011trillion
• Non-Debt Recurrent Expenditure – N5.65trillion
• Statutory Transfer – N484billion
• Sinking Fund – N220billion
• Debt Service – N3.124trillion
• Capital Expenditure -N3.604trillion
• Budget deficit (inclusive GOE/project-tied loans – N5.20trillion
• Deficit represents 3.64% of estimated GDP
• Deficit above 3% threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007
  1. 63. Key capital spending allocations in the 2021 Budget include:
     64. Power: N198 billion (inclusive of N150 billion for the Power SectorWorks and Housing: N404 billion;2021 Budget Speech to the Joint Session of the National Assembly By President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, October 8, 2020PROTOCOLS
         1. It is with pleasure that I present the 2021 Federal Budget Proposals to this Joint

         Session of the National Assembly.

         2. Distinguished and Honourable Leaders, and Members of the National Assembly,

         at this juncture, I wish to commend your tremendous efforts in approving the

         revision of the 2020 – 2022 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal

         Strategy Paper, and passage of the 2020 Appropriation (Repeal and

         Amendment) Act, in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

         3. Today marks an important occasion in our quest to accord the federal budget

         process the seriousness it deserves. In line with our commitment, we have

         worked extra hard to ensure early submission of the 2021 –2023 Medium-term

         Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, as well as the 2021

         Appropriation Bill. It is my sincere hope that the National Assembly will pass

         this Bill into law early enough to enable implementation by 1

         st January 2021,

         given the collaborative manner in which the budget was prepared.

         4. In the course of this address, I will present the highlights of our budget

         proposals for the next fiscal year. The Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget

         and National Planning will, later, provide the full details of these proposals.

         Recent Developments

         5. The 2021 Budget was prepared amidst a challenging global and domestic

         environment due to the persistent headwinds from the Coronavirus Pandemic.

         The resulting global economic recession, low oil prices and heightened global

         economic uncertainty have had important implications for our economy.

         6. The Nigerian economy is currently facing serious challenges, with the

         macroeconomic environment being significantly disrupted by the Coronavirus

         Pandemic. Real Gross Domestic Product (‘GDP’) growth declined by 6.1 percent

         in the second quarter of 2020. This ended the 3-year trend of positive, but

         modest, real GDP growth recorded since the second quarter of 2017. I am glad

         to note that, through our collective efforts, our economy performed relatively

         better than that of many other developed and emerging economies.

         7. GDP growth is projected to be negative in the third quarter of this year. As

         such, our economy may lapse into the second recession in four years, with

         significant adverse consequences. However, we are working assiduously to

         ensure a rapid recovery in 2021. We remain committed to implementing

         programmes to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty over the next 10 years.

         8. As skills’ deficits limit employment opportunities in the formal economy, various

         skills’ development programmes are being implemented simultaneously to

         address this problem frontally. For instance, the Government is implementing

         the Special Public Works programme to provide employment opportunities to

         774,000 youths across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria. We have also

         recently introduced the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, of which

         N25 billion have been provided in 2021 Budget.

         9. We thank all Nigerians, for your perseverance and continued support during

         these difficult times. We remain unwavering in our commitment to actualize our

         vision of a bright future for everyone.

         Performance of the 2020 Budget

         

         Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, you will recall

     65. that the 2020 ‘Budget of Sustaining Growth and Job Creation’ wasamended in response to recent fiscal pressures. I am glad to report that theseefforts enabled us to effectively respond to the public health challenge ofCoronavirus outbreak and moderate economic impact.
         11. Pursuant to our revised assumptions, the amended 2020 Budget was based on

         a benchmark oil price of 28 US Dollars per barrel; oil production of 1.80 million

         barrels per day; and exchange rate of N360 to the US Dollar.

         12. Based on these budget parameters, aggregate revenue of N5.84 trillion was

         projected to fund N10.81 trillion in expenditure. The projected deficit of N4.98

         trillion, or 3.57 percent of GDP, is expected to be financed mainly by borrowing.

         13. In 2020, average daily oil production was 1.88 mbpd up to June, as against the

         revised estimate of 1.80 mbpd for the entire year. However, the market price

         of Bonny Light crude averaged 40.79 US Dollars per barrel, significantly higher

         than the revised benchmark price of 28 US Dollars.

         14. As at July 2020, the Federal Government’s actual revenue available for the

         budget was N2.10 trillion. This revenue performance was only 68 percent of

         our pro-rated target in the revised 2020 budget. At N992.45 billion, oil revenue

         performed well above our budget target, by 168 percent. Non-oil tax revenues

         totalled N692.83 billion, which was 73 percent of the revised target.

         15. To improve independent revenue performance, I have directed that the cost

         profiles of Government Owned Enterprises (‘GOEs’) should be scrutinized and

         limits imposed on their cost-to-revenue ratios. Supervising Ministers have also

         been directed to ensure closer monitoring of the revenue generating activities

         and expenditures of the Government Owned Enterprises.

         16. On the expenditure side, as at end of July 2020, a total of N5.37 trillion had

         been spent as against the pro-rated expenditure of N5.82 trillion. Accordingly,

         the deficit was N3.27 trillion. This represents 66 percent of the revised budgeted

         deficit for the full year.

         17. Despite these challenges, we met our debt service obligations. We are also up

         to date on the payment of statutory transfers and staff salaries, while overhead

         costs have been significantly covered.

         18. For the first time in recent years, we commenced the implementation of this

         year’s capital budget in the first quarter. As at 15th September 2020 a total of

         about N1.2 trillion had been released for capital projects. Every Federal MDA

         has received at least 50 percent of its 2020 capital expenditure budget, in line

         with my earlier directives.

         19. Let me emphasise that revenue generation remains our major challenge.

         Nevertheless, Government is determined to tackle the persisting problems with

         domestic resource mobilization, as there is a limit to deficit financing through

         borrowing. The time has come for us to maintain a healthy balance between

         meeting our growing expenditure commitments and our long-term public

         financial health.

         Key Achievements in the 2020 Fiscal Year

         34. Over the last year, this Administration has implemented several priority

         projects. I am happy to report that much progress has been made on several

         fronts and our Government has delivered on key policies, programmes and

         projects in these priority areas.

         35. In agriculture, we have recorded appreciable success in rice and other crops

         mainly through the Anchor Borrowers Programme and the Presidential Fertilizer

         Initiative, anchored by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Sovereign

         Investment Authority, respectively. We are also accelerating the construction

         of 337 rural roads around key agricultural corridors to enhance access to market

         and reduce post-harvest losses. These efforts have reduced the adverse impact

         of Coronavirus on our food availability, prices and security.

         

         36. We have made progress on the railway projects connecting different parts of

         the country. The Lagos-Ibadan Line will soon be operational. The Abuja-Kaduna

         Line is running efficiently. The Itakpe-Ajaokuta Line was finally completed after

         over 30 years since it was initiated and commissioned in September 2020.

         37. Arrangements are underway to complete the Ibadan-Kano Line. Also, work will

         soon commence on the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line and Calabar-Lagos Coastal

         Line, which will connect the Southern and Eastern States to the North, and the

         South-South as well as South-East to the North, and South-West, respectively.

         38. The Second Niger Bridge is at about 46 percent completion. We hope to

         commission the project before the end of our tenure in 2023. We have awarded

         several contracts to rehabilitate, reconstruct and construct major arterial roads,

         in order to reduce the hardship to commuters and increase economic activity.

         39. To bridge the infrastructure deficit, we are also implementing innovative

         financing strategies to pull-in private sector investment. The Infrastructure

         Company, which I recently approved, will become a world-class infrastructure

         development vehicle, wholly focused on making critical infrastructural

         investments in Nigeria. This Infrastructure Company will raise funding from the

         Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, the Africa

         Finance Corporation, pension funds as well as local and foreign private sector

         development financiers.

         40. Under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, we are undertaking the

         construction and rehabilitation of over 780km of roads and bridges, nationwide,

         to be financed by the grant of tax credits to investing business. Ongoing

         projects under this scheme include:

         1. Construction and Rehabilitation of Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba-Ilorin Road

         Section II (Obajana-Kabba) in Kogi and Kwara States;

         1. Construction of Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota Expressway in Lagos State;

         and

         1. Construction of Bodo-Bonny road with a Bridge across the Opobo Channel

         in Rivers State.

         41. To enhance good governance, we strengthened our anti-corruption agencies to

         ensure they work independently and jointly, while respecting the rule of law.

         We have also worked to address emergent cases of insecurity and insurgency,

         nationwide, with innovative approaches. Our security operations in the Niger

         Delta, North Central and North West are yielding desired results. We are

         determined to get rid of bandits, kidnappers and criminal behaviour from our

         midst.

         Theme & Priorities of the 2021 Budget

         42. Distinguished Senators; Honourable Members; let me now turn to the 2021

         Appropriation Bill, which is designed to further deliver on the goals of our

         Economic Sustainability Plan. This Plan provides a clear road map for our postCoronavirus economic recovery as a transitional plan to take us from the

         Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017 – 2020) to the successor MediumTerm National Development Plan (2021 – 2025).

         43. In view of the many challenges confronting us, we must accelerate our

         economic recovery process, promote social inclusion and strengthen the

         resilience of the economy. The 2021 Appropriation has, therefore, been themed

         7

         the ‘Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience’. It is expected to

         accelerate the pace of our economic recovery, promote economic

         diversification, enhance competitiveness and ensure social inclusion.

         Parameters & Fiscal Assumptions Underpinning the 2021 Appropriation

         44. Distinguished Members of the National Assembly, the 2021 – 2023 Medium

         Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper set out the parameters

         for the 2021 Budget, which include:

         1. Benchmark oil price of 40 US Dollars per barrel;
         2. Daily oil production estimate of 1.86 million barrels (inclusive of

         Condensates of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day);

         1. Exchange rate of N379 per US Dollar; and
         2. GDP growth projected at 3.0 percent and inflation closing at 11.95

         percent.

         Finance Bill 2020

         45. Distinguished and Honourable Members; I have directed the Minister of

         Finance, Budget and National Planning to finalise the Finance Bill 2020, which

         will be forwarded for your kind consideration and passage into law, shortly after

         today’s 2021 Budget presentation. The Finance Bill is to support the realization

         of our 2021 revenue projections, adopt appropriate counter-cyclical fiscal

         policies and enhance the efficiency of fiscal incentives.

         Tax Expenditure Statement

         46. In compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, we will prepare and

         publish, a Tax Expenditures Statement for 2019. The 2019 Statement will be

         the first of these annual Statements, setting out the estimated cost of tax

         exemptions, incentives and rebates provided under Nigeria’s revenue and other

         laws. The 2019 Statement is expected to contribute to public discussion on the

         use of our tax policies and system to achieve socio-economic development.

         Federal Government Revenue Estimates

         47. Based on the foregoing fiscal assumptions and parameters, total federally

         distributable revenue is estimated at N8.433 trillion in 2021. Total revenue

         available to fund the 2021 Federal Budget is estimated at N7.886 trillion. This

         includes Grants and Aid of N354.85 billion as well as the revenues of 60

         Government-Owned Enterprises.

         48. Oil revenue is projected at N2.01 trillion. Non-oil revenue is estimated at N1.49

         trillion. As you will observe, the format of the 2021 Appropriation Bill has been

         modified to include budgeted revenues, no matter how small, for each MDA, to

         focus on internal revenue generation. Accordingly, I implore you to pay as much

         attention to the revenue side as you do to the expenditure side.

         Planned 2021 Expenditure

         49. An aggregate expenditure of N13.08 trillion is proposed for the Federal

         Government in 2021. This includes N1.35 trillion spending by GovernmentOwned Enterprises and Grants and Aid funded expenditures of N354.85 billion.

         For 2021, the proposed N13.08 trillion expenditure comprises:

         5. Non-debt Recurrent Costs of N5.65 trillion;
         6. Personnel Costs of N3.76 trillion;
         7. Pensions, Gratuities and Retirees’ Benefits of N501.19 billion;
         8. Overheads of N625.50 billion;
         9. Debt Service of N3.124 trillion;
         10. Statutory Transfers of N484.49 billion; and
         11. Sinking Fund of N220 billion (to retire certain maturing bonds).

         Fiscal Balance

         50. The 2021 Budget deficit (inclusive of Government Owned Enterprises and

         project-tied loans), is projected at N5.20 trillion. This represents 3.64 percent

         of estimated GDP, slightly above the 3 percent threshold set by the Fiscal

         Responsibility Act, 2007. It is, however, to be noted that we still face the

         existential challenge of Coronavirus Pandemic and its aftermath; I believe that

         this provides a justification to exceed the threshold as provided for by this law.

         51. The deficit will be financed mainly by new borrowings totalling N4.28 trillion,

         N205.15 billion from Privatization Proceeds and N709.69 billion in drawdowns

         on multilateral and bilateral loans secured for specific projects and programmes.

         Statutory Transfers

         

         52. The sum of N484.49 billion provided for Statutory Transfers in the 2021 Budget

         represents an increase of N56.46 billion (or 13 percent) over the revised 2020

         provision. The Statutory Transfer provisions are:

         63. Niger Delta Development Commission – N63.51 billion;
         64. North East Development Commission – N29.70 billion;
         65. National Judicial Council – N110.00 billion;
         66. Universal Basic Education Commission – N70.05 billion;
         67. Independent National Electoral Commission – N40.00 billion;
         68. National Assembly – N128.00 billion;
         69. Public Complaints Commission – N5.20 billion;
         70. Human Rights Commission – N3.00 billion; and
         71. Basic Health Care Provision Fund – N35.03 billion.
         72. In compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, all beneficiaries of

         Statutory Transfers will be required to provide the Budget Office of the

         Federation with periodic reports on the allocation and expenditure of funds for

         inclusion in the quarterly Budget Implementation Report.

         Recurrent Expenditure

         54. In our efforts to enhance national security and human capital development, a

         major part of the 2021 recurrent cost estimate is allocated to paying salaries

         and overheads in MDAs providing these critical public services. These include:

         227. N227.02 billion for the Ministry of Interior;
         228. N441.39 billion for the Ministry of Police Affairs;
         229. N545.10 billion for Ministry of Education;
         230. N840.56 billion for Ministry of Defence; and
         231. N380.21 billion for Ministry of Health.

         Personnel Costs

         55. Personnel cost is still our largest single item of expenditure. In the 7 months to

         31st July 2020, it accounted for 34 percent of total Federal Government

         spending and is projected at 33 percent of 2021 expenditure.

         56. To check the incidence of payments to non-existent personnel and unauthorised

         allowances, only Federal staff that have been captured on the Integrated

         Personnel Payroll Information System (‘IPPIS’) platform will receive salaries.

         57. All agencies have been directed to ensure that they obtain all necessary

         approvals before embarking on any fresh recruitment. Any breach of these

         directives will be severely sanctioned.

         Debt Service

         58. We remain committed to meeting our debt service obligations. Hence, we have

         provisioned N3.12 trillion for this in 2021, representing an increase of N445.57

         billion from N2.68 trillion in 2020. A total of N2.183 trillion has been set aside

         to service domestic debts while N940.89 billion has been provided for foreign

         debt service. N220 billion is provided for transfers to the Sinking Fund to pay

         off maturing bonds issued to local contractors and creditors.

         Overhead Costs

         59. Total overhead costs of MDAs and Government Owned Enterprises are

         projected to rise to N625.50 billion in 2021, mainly due to the inclusion of the

         overheads of an additional 50 Government Owned Enterprises. Overhead

         provisions have also been made for newly created agencies. To keep a tab on

         running costs, MDAs must adhere to extant expenditure controls.

         Capital Expenditure

     66. An aggregate sum of N3.85 trillion is expected to be available for capitalprojects in 2021, as summarised below:
         1. N1.80 trillion for MDAs’ capital expenditure;
         2. N745 billion for Capital Supplementation;
         3. N355 billion for Grants and Aid-funded projects;
         4. N20 billion for the Family Homes Fund;
         5. N25 billion for the Nigeria Youth Investment fund;
         6. N336 billion for 60 Government Owned Enterprises;
         7. N247 billion for capital component of Statutory Transfers; and
         8. N710 billion for projects funded by Multi-lateral and Bi-lateral loans.
         9. The 2021 capital budget is N1.15 trillion higher than the 2020 provision of N2.69

         trillion. At 29 percent of aggregate expenditure, the provision moves closer to

         this Administration’s policy target of 30 percent.

         62. Capital expenditure in 2021 remains focused on the completion of as many

         ongoing projects as possible, rather than the commencement of new ones. We

         have also made efforts to ensure equity in the distribution of projects and

         programmes in the proposed budget. I will be providing the National Assembly

         a list of some of the most critical projects which we must work collectively to

         ensure they receive adequate funding. Until projects reach completion, they do

         not deliver the dividends of democracy that Nigerians rightly deserve.

         Highlights of the 2021 Capital Projects Recovery Plan);

  2. Transportation: N256 billion;
  3. Defence: N121 billion;
  4. Agriculture and Rural Development: N110 billion;
  5. Water Resources: N153 billion;
  6. Industry, Trade and Investment: N51 billion;
  7. Education: N127 billion;
  8. Universal Basic Education Commission: N70 billion;
  9. Health: N132 billion;
  10. Zonal Intervention Projects: N100 billion; and
  11. Niger Delta Development Commission: N64 billion.
  12. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will facilitate the integrated development of its sector by promoting crops’ value chains; as well as providing rural roads, water and sanitation, veterinary and pest controls, grazing, food and strategic reserves, and access to inputs and extension services.
      65. The 157 percent increase in the capital allocation to the health sector is to

      enhance the capacity to deliver healthcare services through the procurement of

      equipment, vaccines and other facilities. Two centres of excellence, as well as

      one Accident and Emergency Centre, will be equipped in Federal Teaching

      Hospitals in each geopolitical zone.

      66. In addition, numerous Primary Health Care Centres will be equipped and

      upgraded across the six geopolitical zones. Furthermore, funds have been

      allocated for the expansion of Midwives Service Scheme in the six geopolitical

      zones. To enhance occupational safety, funds have been provided for the

      provision of Personal Protective Equipment for health workers.

      67. The Ministry of Education’s capital allocation has been increased by 65 percent

      to improve the education of our children. Funds have been provided for the

      provision of scholarship awards to Nigerian students at home and abroad.

      68. We have provided funds for the upgrade of security and other infrastructural

      facilities in our Unity Colleges nationwide. To improve access to education, we

      have made provision for the establishment of five new Federal Science and

      Technical Colleges. We have also provided for the payment of allowances to

      5,000 teachers under the Federal Teachers Scheme.

      69. In line with our commitment to investing in Transportation Infrastructure, capital

      allocation to the Works and Housing sector is to facilitate the completion of

      several critical projects in 2021. I have directed the Minister of Finance, Budget

      and National Planning to provide a detailed breakdown of key infrastructural

      projects in her subsequent Press Briefing.

      70. Key projects for implementation in the Power sector include several Rural

      Electrification Projects in the 36 States and Abuja, Rural Electrification Access

      Programme in Federal Universities, the Kaduna LPFO Gas Fired power Plant,

      the Mambilla Hydro Power Project and the Zungeru Hydropower Project.

      71. Provisions have been made for legacy debts owed to local contractors

      compensation and resettlement of project-affected communities, the

      Renewable Energy Micro Utility (Solar) project, and the construction of

      transmission lines and substations nationwide. These project’s implementation

      is expected to have a positive impact on electricity supply nationwide, as well as

      boost productivity and employment.

      72. Projects to be implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources in 2021 include

      provision of potable water in the North East, construction of irrigation and dams

      across the country, and the provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene facilities.

      73. The Ministry of Transportation has earmarked funds for projects such as the

      Lagos-Ibadan-Kano Line, Abuja-Kaduna Line, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Line and

      Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Line. These projects, when completed, will minimize the

      cost of transporting people and goods around the country.

      74. To maintain the peace in the Niger Delta region for economic and social

      activities to thrive, the provision of N65 billion for the Presidential Amnesty

      Programme has been retained in the 2021 Budget. In addition, the sum of

      N63.51 billion has been appropriated for the Niger Delta Development

      Commission and N24.27 billion has been provided for the capital projects of the

      Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. These allocations should further support the

      development of the region by facilitating the completion of important ongoing

      projects, such as the East-West Road.

      Government Fiscal Strategy in 2021

      75. The government is already implementing several measures to overcome our

      fiscal constraints. In addition to the Strategic Revenue Growth Initiatives, we

      are leveraging technology and automation, as well as more effective monitoring

      of Independently Generated Revenues. Our efforts are aimed at addressing

      revenue leakages and redirecting scarce resources to the poor and vulnerable.

      These efforts include:

      1. Deregulation of the price of petroleum products;
      2. Ongoing verification exercise with IPPIS; and
      3. Implementation of service-based electricity tariffs.
      4. The new petrol pricing regime has freed up resources that were allocated to

      subsidise petroleum products. Similarly, the ongoing IPPIS verification exercise

      has closed gaps that encourage ghost workers or pensioners. The service

      reflective electricity tariffs will help resolve the liquidity crisis in the power sector

      and make the sector attractive to foreign investment. These reforms have

      released trillions of Naira for allocation to other priority areas.

      77. Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, permit me to reiterate that the

      main thrust of our capital spending programme in 2021 is the completion of as

      15

      many ongoing projects as possible across the country. Accordingly, we have

      prioritized projects that can be rapidly completed to benefit our people.

      78. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, I note, with satisfaction, your

      determination to promptly consider and pass the Petroleum Industry Bill into

      law. The enactment of this Bill will boost confidence and attract further

      investments into our oil and gas sector, as well as increase revenues.

      79. I fully understand the difficulties many of our people are going through with

      the implementation of our reform agenda. However, the measures we are

      implementing are necessary for sustainable public finance, better allocation of

      our scarce resources and improved public service delivery. As we implement

      these reforms, social safety nets will be implemented to cushion the effect of

      the most vulnerable of our citizens as well as business owners.

      80. In furtherance of our inclusiveness agenda, the sum of N420 billion has been

      provided to sustain the Social Investment Programme. N20 billion has also been

      set aside for the Family Homes Fund, our Social Housing Programme. We have

      expanded our National Social Register, to include an additional one million

      Nigerians following the onset of Coronavirus. We recently introduced the N75

      billion Survival Fund Programme to support and protect businesses from

      potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the Central Bank of Nigeria is reducing

      the interest rate on its intervention facilities from 9% to 5% with a 1-year

      moratorium till 31st March 2021, to provide concessional lending of:

      1. N100 billion to households and small businesses;
      2. N100 billion to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry; and
      3. N1 trillion to large agricultural and manufacturing businesses.
      4. We urge Nigerian businesses and individuals to make the most of these

      concessional credit facilities and other such opportunities.

      Conclusion

      82. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished and Honourable Members of

      the 9th National Assembly; let me use this opportunity to, again, commend your

      firm commitment towards ensuring a very harmonious and productive

      relationship with the Executive. It is important to further deepen this

      relationship in the interest of our people.

      83. As you review the 2021 Budget estimates, we believe the legislative process

      will be expedited to ensure its prompt passage to sustain the restoration of a

      predictable January – December fiscal year. In this regard, I have directed all

      Ministers and Heads of Agencies to be personally available for budget defence.

      84. Let me re-emphasize that Nigerians expect that the 2021 Budget will contain

      only implementable and critical projects, which when completed, will

      significantly address current structural challenges of the economy, improve the

      business environment and accelerate economic recovery.

      85. May I conclude my remarks by commending the National Assembly for its

      support in steering our economy during these very challenging times. We

      remain committed to sustaining this partnership. We believe that as we work

      together, we will jointly deliver on our joint mandate to our people.

      86. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I lay, before this Distinguished Joint

      Session of the National Assembly, the 2021 Budget Proposals of the Federal

      Government of Nigeria, for your consideration.

      87. I thank you for your attention.
      88. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.