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Buhari Writes National Assembly, Proposes Transfer Of Budget Funds To Fund 'Critical Items'

October 25, 2016

In his letter to House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, the president explained that there are several budget items that need additional funding, but since budgeted revenues have lagged behind target, the only way to secure such funding is by transferring funds from other budget items.

President Muhammadu Buhari is requesting that the National Assembly use appropriated funds from certain budget items to fund “critical recurrent and capital items,” according to documents obtained by SaharaReporters.

In his letter to House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, the president explained that there are several budget items that need additional funding, but since budgeted revenues have lagged behind target, the only way to secure such funding is by transferring funds from other budget items.

Mr. Buhari cited “shortfalls in provisions for personnel costs; inadequate provision ab initio for some items like the amnesty programme; continuing requirements to sustain the war against insurgency; and depreciation of the Naira” as some of the reasons for the need for additional funds.

One of the areas in need of funding is that of public servants’ salary provisions. Mr. Buhari is requesting that N71,800,215,270 be transferred to address this shortfall.

Regarding security, the president stated that the Nigerian Air Force needs N12,708,367,476 in order to “cover the foreign exchange differentials in the procurement of its critical capabilities.”

Another major item in need of funding is the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. According to Mr. Buhari, ex-militants who have entered the program have only been paid allowances up to May 2016. The president fears this could cause “restiveness” and could potentially exacerbate the security challenges in the conflict-ridden region. He therefore requested that the National Assembly transfer N35 billion to the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme.

Other areas for which Mr. Buhari is seeking additional funding include Operation Lafiya Dole, internal operations of the military, the Nigerian Youth Service Corps, and foreign missions.

Read the documents below:

BUHARI NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PROPOSAL (1).pdf

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