The Nigerian government has unveiled its plan to allocate ₦26.01 trillion for the 2024 budget, anticipating an oil price of $73.95 and an exchange rate of 700 Naira per dollar.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, shared these details on Monday. Let’s delve into the implications and feasibility of these projections.
Analysis of Budget Assumptions
The Nigerian government is preparing the medium-term expenditure plan and fiscal policy paper for 2024, which spans over three accounting years. This year, the budget of 21 trillion has been passed, but citizens are questioning whether the budget has helped or failed. The budget has been criticized for not providing enough assistance to citizens, as it has led to unemployment, inflation, and poor living conditions.
The proposed budget for 2024 is at an early stage, with critical questions arising about its potential impact. The current year, 2023, witnessed a massive budget of 21 trillion Naira, yet citizens have not seen significant improvements in their lives. Hence, it becomes imperative to assess the potential beneficiaries of the upcoming budget.
Evaluation of Key Assumptions
In evaluating the assumptions, it’s crucial to consider the historical trajectory. For instance, the ambitious target of 1.78 million barrels per day for oil production seems challenging, given the struggles to reach even 1.1 million barrels daily. Similarly, the proposed exchange rate of 700 Naira per dollar appears overly ambitious, considering the current rate is over 1,000 Naira per dollar.
The Nigerian government is known for projecting expenditures and exceeding them, but underachieving in terms of revenues. The country’s oil production has decreased from 1.78 million barrels a day to 1.1 million barrels a day, which is an ambitious goal.
The government hopes that the president and his team will bring some effects to the country that will moderate the exchange rate, such as a loan they are negotiating with the World Bank and AfDB. However, there is no resupply in the Horizon, leading to an ambitious exchange rate of $700 NAA per dollar.
Concerns and Recommendations
The deficit in the budget is primarily due to borrowing between personnel costs and servicing of 63% and 65% of the whole budget. This is a significant portion of the budget, which is largely spent on consumption and borrowing to finance the budget. The government should be a government of austerity, where they should be moderating expenditures rather than putting them up.
The substantial percentage of the budget allocated to servicing debts and personnel costs, while neglecting investments for employment generation, raises concerns about sustainability. The urgent need for a more cautious approach to expenditures, especially considering the nation’s growing debt profile, cannot be overlooked.
Aviation Sector Challenges
Turning to the aviation sector, domestic airlines in Nigeria continue to face numerous challenges, including high operational costs. The industry’s heavy reliance on imports, coupled with the existing infrastructural deficits, poses a significant threat to its stability. However, there is room for strategic consolidation within the industry, which could potentially alleviate some of these challenges.
The aviation sector in Nigeria is facing challenges due to high costs of operation and high ticket prices. The National Airline Commission (NAC) is trying to assist airlines with flexible insurance fees and debt payment, but this is not enough to rescue lines from bankruptcy. The airline industry is heavily dependent on foreign exchange, and everything used in aviation is imported, including aircraft servicing and paths.
The airline industry is also facing issues in the aviation sector, as everything used in the industry is imported, including foreign exchange. The government should focus on improving the aviation sector to ensure that the economy benefits from the budget and that the citizens of Nigeria can continue to live comfortably.
Government Intervention in Aviation
The aviation sector in Nigeria is facing challenges due to high costs of operation and high ticket prices. The National Airline Commission (NAC) is trying to assist airlines with flexible insurance fees and debt payment, but this is not enough to rescue lines from bankruptcy. The airline industry is heavily dependent on foreign exchange, and everything used in aviation is imported, including aircraft servicing and paths.
The airline industry is also facing issues in the aviation sector, as everything used in the industry is imported, including foreign exchange. The government should focus on improving the aviation sector to ensure that the economy benefits from the budget and that the citizens of Nigeria can continue to live comfortably.
In addition to industry-driven initiatives, the role of government support is critical. Minister Festus Keyamo’s leadership in the aviation sector presents an opportunity to address disparities in international aviation policies. Achieving equitable treatment for Nigerian airlines, particularly in international destinations, is paramount. Enhanced collaboration with global counterparts could pave the way for a more balanced playing field.
Conclusion
In summary, while the proposed budget for 2024 demonstrates ambition, careful consideration of historical trends and effective measures to address critical challenges are vital for its successful implementation. Similarly, a strategic and collaborative approach is imperative for the stability and growth of the aviation sector, ensuring a more favorable environment for domestic carriers.
