NAN-HE-12
Budget
Kano, Dec. 15, 2016 (NAN) A Kano-based Public Affairs Analyst, Malam Bashir Mohammed, has expressed optimism that the 2017 budget would improve the living standard of Nigerians, if fully implemented.
Mohammed made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Thursday.
“Looking at the level of implementation of the 2016 budget despite the challenges, I am hopeful that the 2017 budget if fully implemented, will enhance the living standard of Nigerians,” he said.
According to him, the budget which focuses on strategic sectors including power, housing, works and transportation, will go along way in improving the nation’s economy.
Mohammed said the allocation of N15 billion for the recapitalisation of the Bank of Industry and Bank of Agriculture was a right step in the right direction.
He said this would enable the bank to provide the needed support to small and medium scale enterprises as well as farmers in the country.
He specifically commended the Federal Government for earmarking N213.14 billion as counter part funding for railway projects.
The Analyst, however, called on the government to ensure that the budget was fully implemented to end the current economic recession in the country.
“The Federal Government should focus on youths empowerment by implementing to the latter its special intervention programmes in 2017.
“The five pillars under the Special intervention programme will definitely reduce unemployment if fully implemented by the government.
“Unemployment is a major challenge in the country, but if government is committed, it can address it through its various intervention programmes,”Mohammed said.
He urged the National Assembly to ensure speedy passage of the budget to enable the government to implement it’s laudable programmes for the good of all Nigerians. (NAN).
MTM/AMY/AMY
Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf