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No budgetary provision for COVID-19 vaccines – Finance minister

Published

6 years ago

January 13, 2021

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, has said that there is no provision in the 2021 budget to procure COVID-19 vaccines.

She stated this during a virtual presentation of the 2021 budget in Abuja, adding however that the government was working on the type and quantity of COVID-19 vaccines to procure.

Nigeria is expected to receive about 100,000 doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of January.

But the minister said her ministry and the Ministry of Health would meet to finalise the amount to be allocated to vaccine procurement in the next two weeks.

The country, under phase two of its COVID-19 vaccination scheme, will also get 42 million extra doses of vaccines through the COVAX facility.

The government is targeting to vaccinate about 40 per cent of Nigeria’s population in 2021.

Ahmed expressed the hope that the National Assembly would provide a supplementary budget for additional spending on COVID-19 vaccines, when needed.

She said, “We agreed that the effort needed to be done so that we have clarity as to whether the provisions in the budget will be adequate or we have to make additional provisions by way of a special supplementary budget to make more provisions for COVID-19 vaccinations.”

On whether there was a provision for fuel subsidy in the 2021 budget, Ahmed stated that no such provision was made for it.

She also foreclosed subsidy on electricity due to the recent suspension of the hike in electricity tariff.

The minister, however, added that the Finance Act, among others, exempted workers within the N30,000 minimum wage bracket and below from personal income tax deductions.

According to her, another key provision in the Act is the exemption of all micro and small companies earning N25 million or less as annual turnover from paying the Tertiary Education Tax.

The Act also excluded commercial airline tickets, commercial aircraft spare parts and components; interests in land and buildings; animal feed and hire, rental or lease of agriculture equipment for agricultural purposes from 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) charge.

She said, “The key guiding principle of the Finance Act 2020 is to ensure that there is a balance between broader macroeconomic strategies to attract investment, grow the economy, create jobs as well as provide immediate fiscal strategies for accelerated domestic revenue mobilisation, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the domestic / global economic downturn.

“Specifically, the Finance Act 2020 adopts counter-cyclical fiscal policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing fiscal relief for taxpayers; reforms fiscal incentive policies to prioritise job creation and accelerate economic recovery and growth; and fosters closer coordination of monetary, trade and fiscal policies.”

Ahmed added that the 2020 Finance Act also provided for the establishment of a N500 billion crisis Intervention Fund as well as other sources approved by the National Assembly to fund the Federal Government’s expenditures.

Proceeds from unclaimed dividends of listed companies and unutilised amounts in dormant bank accounts outstanding for six years or more would be channelled to the fund, she stated,

The unclaimed dividends and bank balances are subject to a perpetual trust to be managed by the Debt Management Office (DMO), with governing council to be chaired by the finance minister and co-chaired by a nominee from the organised private sector who is of impeccable integrity and reputation.

Ahmed, however, added that genuine beneficiaries would be able to claim their funds back from the Federal Government at any time.

The minister also spoke on the performance of the revised 2020 budget, noting that the Federal Government expended a total of N1.8 trillion on capital projects.

According to her, the N1.8 trillion represents about 89 per cent of the total provision for capital projects.

She explained that out of the amount spent, N118.37 billion was released for COVID-19-related capital expenditure.

Ahmed said while the Federal Government projected N9.97 trillion for expenditure in 2020, it spent about N10.08 trillion, representing 101 per cent performance.

Debt service, she also stated, gulped N3.27 trillion while personnel cost, including salaries and pensions, accounted for N3.19 trillion.

She noted that the crude oil price benchmark was retained at $40 per barrel although the World Bank forecast $44 per barrel average crude oil price in 2021.

She added that crude oil production was projected to increase from 1.80 million barrels per day (mbpd) in 2020 to 1.86mbpd in 2021, as economies recover from recession, and moderated by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota agreements.

Ahmed stated that the aggregate revenue available to fund the N13.5 trillion 2021 budget was projected at N7.99 trillion (36.9 per cent higher than the 2020 projection of N5.84 trillion).

To promote fiscal transparency, accountability and comprehensiveness, she said the budgets of 60 Government-owned Enterprises (GOEs) were integrated in the Federal Government’s 2021 budget.

“In aggregate, 30 per cent of projected revenues is to come from oil-related sources while 70 per cent is to be earned from non-oil sources. Overall, the size of the budget has been constrained by our relatively low revenues,” she added.

The minister also explained that the deficit of N5.6 trillion will be funded via domestic and external borrowings of N2.34 trillion apiece.

She said N2.5 billion was expected as privatisation proceeds.

The budget also has an aggregate capital expenditure of N4.37 trillion or 32.2 per cent of total expenditure, which is 62.9 per cent higher than the 2020 Revised Budget, inclusive of capital component of statutory transfers and GOEs.

At N3.32 trillion, the provision for debt service for 2021 is 24.5 per cent of total expenditure and 12.6 per cent higher than 2020 revised budget, according to her.

The minister also put the provision to retire maturing bonds to local contractors / suppliers at N200 billion.

Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation (BoF), Mr Ben Akabueze, said the country was expecting donations of COVID-19 vaccines to cover 20 per cent of its population while 50 per cent would be acquired to achieve herd immunity.

Akabueze said, “To have herd immunity, 70 per cent of the population has to be vaccinated. Already, vaccine for 20 per cent of the population will be donated while the balance of 50 per cent will be paid for by the government.”

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Abuja Roars to Life as Jetour X50 Headlines Three-Day Motoring Experience

Published

8 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Abuja Roars to Life as Jetour X50 Headlines Three-Day Motoring Experience

Abuja is gearing up for a major motoring spectacle as Jetour Nigeria brings its fast-growing brand experience to the Federal Capital Territory, with the stylish Jetour X50 set to take centre stage in a three-day showcase of performance, technology and automotive innovation.

Scheduled for September 22 to 24, 2026, the Jetour Experience Abuja will move beyond the conventional vehicle exhibition, giving motorists and prospective buyers the opportunity to test-drive the X50, interact with automotive specialists and experience a range of entertainment and interactive activities.

The Abuja activation follows the strong reception recorded during Jetour Nigeria’s recent Lagos experience and forms part of the automaker’s strategy to deepen customer engagement while expanding its footprint across Nigeria.

Backed by an expanding authorised dealer network comprising Elizade Nigeria Limited, Mandilas Autos, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos and New Era AutoVehicle Services, Jetour is also strengthening access to vehicle sales, after-sales support, genuine spare parts and certified technical services nationwide.

At the heart of the Abuja experience will be the Jetour X50, a compact SUV designed to combine contemporary styling, performance and a technology-rich driving environment.

Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission, the X50 has positioned itself as a strong contender in Nigeria’s competitive compact SUV segment.

Jetour has equipped the model with a range of premium features, including a 360-degree camera, Blind Spot Detection, 10.5-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and leather upholstery.

The combination of technology, comfort and performance is part of Jetour’s strategy of offering premium motoring features at competitive price points.

The Abuja event also highlights Jetour’s aggressive expansion strategy in Nigeria, following the brand’s recognition with industry accolades including Fastest Growing Auto Brand and Auto Brand of the Year.

With its expanding dealer network providing nationwide sales and after-sales support, Jetour is seeking to deepen customer engagement while making its vehicles and ownership services more accessible to motorists across the country.

As Abuja prepares to welcome the Jetour Experience, the three-day activation is expected to provide motorists with an opportunity to see, feel and drive the X50 while experiencing first-hand what is driving the brand’s growing appeal in Nigeria.

Business

Dangote Refinery Sets ₦525 Per Share for Landmark IPO

Published

1 day ago

September 7, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

Dangote Refinery IPO to start at N525/share

For ₦5,250, Nigerians could soon own a piece of the refinery that has reshaped the country’s fuel market.

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Business

After two decades, Tinubu approves Cabotage fund for Nigerian shipowners

Published

2 days ago

September 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola

After two decades, Tinubu approves Cabotage fund for Nigerian shipowners

President Bola Tinubu has approved the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to qualified Nigerian shipowners, more than 20 years after the fund was established to promote indigenous participation in the country’s maritime industry.

The approval, announced on Sunday, September 6, 2026, is expected to end years of uncertainty surrounding the CVFF and provide Nigerian shipowners with access to long-term financing for the acquisition of vessels and expansion of their operations.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed the development in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola.

Oyetola directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the 12 approved Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) to fast-track the processing and disbursement of the fund to eligible applicants.

According to the minister, the move is designed to unlock investment in Nigeria’s maritime sector, increase indigenous ship ownership, strengthen the country’s participation in coastal and offshore shipping and create thousands of employment opportunities.

NIMASA has so far received 92 applications from prospective beneficiaries seeking financing under the CVFF programme. Twenty applications have already been forwarded to the approved lending institutions, while one has been reviewed and sent forward for final approval.

The development marks the latest stage in the Federal Government’s efforts to transform the CVFF from a long-standing pool of accumulated funds into an operational financing facility for Nigeria’s indigenous shipping industry.

The CVFF was created under the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act to provide financial support to qualified Nigerian operators for the acquisition of vessels and development of domestic shipping capacity.

The facility is particularly important because Nigeria’s maritime sector has historically relied heavily on foreign-owned vessels for several coastal and offshore operations, limiting the amount of revenue retained by indigenous operators.

Through the CVFF, the government seeks to enable qualified Nigerian shipowners to acquire modern vessels, expand their fleets and compete more effectively for contracts within the domestic maritime market.

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The fund is structured to provide long-term financing at a relatively low interest rate, with the current framework designed to make vessel acquisition more accessible to indigenous operators.

NIMASA had previously disclosed that the financing arrangement would provide for a single-digit interest rate, a two-year moratorium and an eight-year repayment period.

Under the framework, NIMASA is expected to provide 50 per cent of the financing, while the participating lending institutions would contribute 35 per cent and beneficiaries would provide the remaining 15 per cent as equity.

The number of participating Primary Lending Institutions was increased from five to 12 to widen access to the facility, improve competition among lenders and reduce delays associated with loan processing.

The expansion is also expected to give applicants more options when seeking financing and strengthen the financial oversight of the programme.

Oyetola had earlier directed NIMASA in April 2025 to begin the process of operationalising the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, reviving efforts to disburse the facility after years of administrative stagnation.

The process received another boost in January 2026 with the launch of the CVFF Application Portal in Lagos.

The portal was designed to provide eligible shipowners with a more transparent and structured process for submitting applications and tracking their financing requests.

The latest presidential approval therefore builds on several reforms introduced by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA over the past two years.

The CVFF has a long history of delayed disbursement.

In December 2019, the Federal Government announced that then-President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of the fund to indigenous shipowners, with the accumulated amount at the time reportedly estimated at N44.64 billion.

Despite the announcement, the fund did not translate into sustained financing for Nigerian shipowners.

In 2023, the House of Representatives intervened over concerns surrounding the management and proposed disbursement of the fund.

The House investigated the amount accumulated under the scheme, the proposed financing arrangements and the process for selecting beneficiaries.

Following the investigation, lawmakers approved the disbursement of an estimated $360 million to qualified Nigerian shipowners.

However, the implementation of the disbursement continued to face delays.

By April 2025, NIMASA estimated the value of the fund at about $700 million and announced plans to commence disbursement under a revised financing structure.

The latest approval by President Tinubu is therefore another significant attempt to move the fund from years of accumulated resources and administrative delays to actual financing for indigenous operators.

The Federal Government expects the programme to have an impact beyond vessel ownership.

According to Oyetola, the initiative could generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across shipyards, marine engineering companies, maritime logistics firms and other businesses connected to the maritime value chain.

Greater indigenous ownership of vessels could also stimulate demand for shipbuilding, vessel repairs, marine engineering, maritime insurance, logistics and other specialised services.

The government believes this could help Nigeria retain a larger share of the economic value generated from activities within its territorial waters.

The CVFF disbursement is also coming as Nigeria seeks to improve its international maritime profile.

In August 2026, the United States Coast Guard lifted a 12-year Condition of Entry imposed on Nigerian vessels arriving at US ports.

The restriction, introduced in 2014 over concerns about maritime security standards, had subjected Nigerian vessels to additional requirements when entering US ports.

Its removal is expected to improve the operating environment for vessels trading between Nigeria and the United States, potentially reducing additional compliance costs and improving turnaround times.

The development has added momentum to Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen maritime safety, security and compliance with international standards.

For the Federal Government, strengthening indigenous shipping capacity remains a key component of its broader Blue Economy strategy.

The administration has identified the maritime sector as an area capable of attracting investment, creating jobs, expanding trade and increasing Nigeria’s revenue from its extensive coastal and offshore economic activities.

For Nigerian shipowners, however, the immediate focus will be on whether the latest approval translates into actual access to financing.

With 92 applications already received and 20 forwarded to lending institutions, the next stage will involve detailed assessment, approval and eventual release of funds to successful applicants.

The government’s challenge will be to ensure that the process remains transparent, commercially sustainable and accessible to genuinely qualified Nigerian operators.

After more than two decades of delays, investigations and repeated promises of disbursement, President Tinubu’s latest approval represents a major opportunity to finally make the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund a functioning source of capital for Nigeria’s indigenous shipping industry.

After two decades, Tinubu approves Cabotage fund for Nigerian shipowners