2021 Budget of Economic Recovery & Resilience: Details, timelines

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. 1. Key capital spending allocations in the 2021 Budget include:
  2. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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
    
    2021 Capital Budget Details
    
    Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, you will recall
  3. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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
    1. 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).
    1. 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
    1. 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
    1. 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
    1. 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
    1. 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.
    1. 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
    1. 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:
    1. Non-debt Recurrent Costs of N5.65 trillion;
    2. Personnel Costs of N3.76 trillion;
    3. Pensions, Gratuities and Retirees’ Benefits of N501.19 billion;
    4. Overheads of N625.50 billion;
    5. Debt Service of N3.124 trillion;
    6. Statutory Transfers of N484.49 billion; and
    7. Sinking Fund of N220 billion (to retire certain maturing bonds).
    Fiscal Balance
    1. 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.
    1. 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
    
    2021 Budget Details
    1. 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:
    1. Niger Delta Development Commission – N63.51 billion;
    2. North East Development Commission – N29.70 billion;
    3. National Judicial Council – N110.00 billion;
    4. Universal Basic Education Commission – N70.05 billion;
    5. Independent National Electoral Commission – N40.00 billion;
    6. National Assembly – N128.00 billion;
    7. Public Complaints Commission – N5.20 billion;
    8. Human Rights Commission – N3.00 billion; and
    9. Basic Health Care Provision Fund – N35.03 billion.
    10. 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
    1. 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:
    1. N227.02 billion for the Ministry of Interior;
    2. N441.39 billion for the Ministry of Police Affairs;
    3. N545.10 billion for Ministry of Education;
    4. N840.56 billion for Ministry of Defence; and
    5. N380.21 billion for Ministry of Health.
    Personnel Costs
    1. 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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
    1. 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
    1. 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
  4. 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.
    1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. I thank you for your attention.
  2. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.