Business
President Tinubu presents 2024 budget at National Assembly, says proposal will boost investments

Being text of the 2024 budget presentation by President Bola Tinubu, to a joint session of the national assembly at the temporary chamber of the house of representatives, on November 29, 2023.
2024 BUDGET SPEECH:
Budget of Renewed Hope
Delivered By:
HIS EXCELLENCY, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
AT THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023
— The Vice President, Senator Kashim Ibrahim Shettima, GCON
— The Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON
— The Right Honourable Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas
— APC National Chairman, His Excellency, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
— Executive Governors here present
— Distinguished Leaders and Members of the National Assembly
— Secretary to the Government of the Federation
— Chief of Staff to the President
— Other Senior Government Officials here present
— Gentlemen of the Press
— Ladies and Gentlemen
- In furtherance of my sacred duties and obligations as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is my honour to be here today to present my administration’s 2024 Budget Proposal to this Joint Session of the 10th National Assembly. This moment is especially profound and significant to me because it is my first annual budgetary presentation to the National Assembly.
- Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, I commend your swift consideration and passage of the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bills and the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. Your prompt action underscores your devotion to economic development and to the greater welfare of our people. It also highlights your desire to work in close collaboration with the Executive branch. We do not serve ourselves. We must always strive to work together to serve and benefit the people of our beloved country.
- I am confident that the National Assembly will continue to work closely with us to ensure that deliberations on the 2024 Budget are thorough but also concluded with reasonable dispatch. Our goal is for the Appropriation Act to come into effect on the 1st of January 2024.
- It is, by now, a matter of recorded history that my very first fiscal intervention as President of this great nation was to end the fuel subsidy regime which had proven to be so harmful to the overall health of our national economy. The second was to negotiate and subsequently present a supplementary budget to enable my government to fund the items needed to restore macro-economic stability and mitigate the harsh impact of subsidy removal.
- The third was to secure a second supplementary budget, this time to enable us to keep our promises to promote national security, invest in infrastructure and provide much needed support to the most vulnerable households in our society.
- In swearing-in my cabinet and reflecting on the unique challenges facing us, I invited the Ministers to imagine that we are attempting to draw water from a dry well. Today, I stand before you to present our Budget of Renewed Hope; a budget which will go further than ever before in cementing macro-economic stability, reducing the deficit, increasing capital spending and allocation to reflect the eight priority areas of this Administration. The budget we now present constitutes the foundation upon which we shall erect the future of this great nation.
PREVAILING ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
- Economic conditions remain challenging both abroad and at home. Despite lingering Post-Covid supply and production bottlenecks, armed conflict in various parts of the world and restrictive monetary policies in major economies, we expect global growth to hover around 3.0 percent in 2024. This relative low rate has significant implications for our economy due to our current reliance on importation.
- Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members: despite the global headwinds, the Nigerian economy has proven resilient, maintaining modest but positive growth over the past twelve months.
- Inflation has trended upward due to weak global conditions. To contain the rising domestic prices, we will ensure effective coordination of fiscal and monetary policy measures, and collaborate with sub-national governments to address structural factors driving inflation in Nigeria.
- The Budget proposal meets our goal of completing critical infrastructure projects which will help address structural problems in the economy by lowering the costs of doing business for companies and the cost of living for the average person, The Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning will provide full details of this proposal.
PERFORMANCE OF THE 2023 BUDGET
- Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, an aggregate revenue of 11.045 trillion naira was projected to fund the 2023 Budget of 24.82 trillion naira with a deficit of about 6.1 percent of GDP.
- As of September 30, the Federal Government’s actual aggregate revenue inflow was 8.65 trillion naira, approximately 96 percent of the targeted 8.28 trillion naira.
- Despite the challenges, we continue to meet our obligations.
THEME AND PRIORITIES OF THE 2024 BUDGET
- Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, permit me to highlight key issues relating to the budget proposals for the next fiscal year. The 2024 Appropriation has been themed the Budget of Renewed Hope. The proposed Budget seeks to achieve job-rich economic growth, macro-economic stability, a better investment environment, enhanced human capital development, as well as poverty reduction and greater access to social security.
- Defence and internal security are accorded top priority. The internal security architecture will be overhauled to enhance law enforcement capabilities and safeguard lives, property and investments across the country.
- Human capital is the most critical resource for national development. Accordingly, the budget prioritizes human development with particular attention to children, the foundation of our nation.
- To improve the effectiveness of our budget performance, government will focus on ensuring value for money, greater transparency and accountability. In this regard, we will work more closely with development partners and the private sector.
- To address long-standing issues in the education sector, a more sustainable model of funding tertiary education will be implemented, including the Student Loan Scheme scheduled to become operational by January 2024.
- A stable macro-economic environment is important to catalyse private investment and accelerate economic growth. We have and shall continue to implement business and investment friendly measures for sustainable growth.
- We expect the economy to grow by a minimum of 3.76 percent, above the forecasted world average. Inflation is expected to moderate to 21.4 percent in 2024.
- In preparing the 2024 Budget, our primary objective has been to sustain our robust foundation for sustainable economic development. A critical focus of this budget and the medium term expenditure framework is Nigeria’s commitment to a greener future.
- Emphasizing public-private partnerships, we have strategically made provisions to leverage private capital for big-ticket infrastructure projects in energy, transportation and other sectors. This marks a critical step towards diversifying our energy mix, enhancing efficiency, and fostering the development of renewable energy sources. By allocating resources to support innovative and environmentally conscious initiatives, we aim to position Nigeria as a regional leader in the global movement towards clean and sustainable energy.
- As we approach COP 28 climate summit, a pivotal moment for global climate action, I have directed relevant government agencies to diligently work towards securing substantial funding commitments that will bolster Nigeria’s energy transition.
- It is imperative that we seize this opportunity to attract international partnerships and investments that align with our national goals. I call upon our representatives to engage proactively to showcase the strides we have made in the quest to create an enabling environment for sustainable energy projects.
- Together, we will strive for Nigeria to emerge from COP 28 with tangible commitments, reinforcing our dedication to a future where energy is not only a catalyst for development but also a driver of environmental stewardship.
- Distinguished members of the National Assembly, the revised 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) sets out the parameters for the 2024 Budget.
- After a careful review of developments in the world oil market and domestic conditions, we have adopted a conservative oil price benchmark of 77.96 US Dollars per barrel and daily oil production estimate of 1.78 million barrels per day. We have also adopted a Naira to US Dollar exchange rate of 750 naira per US Dollar for 2024.
- Accordingly, an aggregate expenditure of 27.5 trillion naira is proposed for the Federal Government in 2024, of which the non-debt recurrent expenditure is 9.92 trillion naira while debt service is projected to be 8.25 trillion naira and capital expenditure is 8.7 trillion naira.
- Nigeria remains committed to meeting its debt obligations. Projected debt service is 45% of the expected total revenue.
- Budget deficit is projected at 9.18 trillion naira in 2024 or 3.88 percent of GDP. This is lower than the 13.78 trillion naira deficit recorded in 2023 which represents 6.11 percent of GDP.
- The deficit will be financed by new borrowings totalling 7.83 trillion naira, 298.49 billion naira from Privatization Proceeds and 1.05 trillion naira drawdown on multilateral and bilateral loans secured for specific development projects.
- Our government remains committed to broad-based and shared economic prosperity. We are reviewing social investment programmes to enhance their implementation and effectiveness. In particular, the National Social Safety Net project will be expanded to provide targeted cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households. In addition, efforts will made to graduate existing beneficiaries toward productive activities and employment.
- We are currently reviewing our tax and fiscal policies. Our target is to increase the ratio of revenue to GDP from less than 10 percent currently to 18 percent within the term of this Administration. Government will make efforts to further contain financial leakages through effective implementation of key public financial management reforms.
- Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, in view of the limited resources available through the federal budget, we are also exploring Public Private Partnership arrangements to finance critical infrastructure.
- We, therefore, invite the private sector to partner with us to ensure that our fiscal, trade and monetary policies, as well as our developmental programs and projects succeed in unlocking the latent potential of our people and other natural endowments, in line with our national aspirations.
- Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, this Budget presentation would be incomplete without commending the patriotic resolve of the 10th National Assembly to collaborate with the Executive on our mission to renew hope and deliver on our promises to the Nigerian people. I assure you of the strong commitment of the Executive to sustain and deepen the relationship with the National Assembly.
- As you consider the 2024 Budget estimates, we trust that the legislative review process will be conducted with a view to sustaining our desired return to a predictable January-December fiscal year.
- I have no doubt that you will be guided by the interest of all Nigerians. We must ensure that only projects and programs with equitable benefits are allowed into the 2024 Budget. Additionally, only projects and programs which are in line with the sectoral mandates of MDAs and which are capable of realizing the vision of our Government should be included in the budget.
- As a Government, we are committed to improving the lot of our people and delivering on our promises to them. The 2024 Budget has the potential to boost performance, promote the development of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, enhance security and public safety, and improve the general living conditions of our people.
- In closing, I am confident that these budgetary allocations and directives will set Nigeria on a transformative path towards a sustainable and resilient energy future, fostering economic growth, job creation, and environmental preservation.
- It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly, the 2024 Budget Proposals of the Federal Government of Nigeria, titled The Renewed Hope Budget.
- I thank you most sincerely for your attention. May we collectively chart the course towards a brighter and cleaner future for our great nation.
- May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Business
Five tips on how to shop for affordable clothes online

Shopping online is easy, enjoyable, but most times, more expensive than traditional shopping in person. This is probably why you shun tons of online clothing vendors because you cannot be bothered with the expensive prices placed on items online. And that’s a valid point.
In addition to being averagely more expensive, shopping for clothes online can go wrong for a few other reasons, one of which is the disparity between what is displayed by the vendor online, and the item received by clients.
Popularly described as; “What I Ordered vs What I Received”, this situation is not only a time-waster but also, a money-waster.
Without further ado, here are ways to shop for clothes online at a bargain.
- Use A Site Selling Cheap Clothes
By searching online with the right keywords; like cheap clothes stores, alone, you’ll be sure to get tons of results on stores or social media pages selling cheap clothing items around your location.
Upon getting the results you can then go ahead to choose the vendors which catch your eye and have the items you’re looking out for.
- Buy In Bulk
Just like physical shopping, shopping in bulk online will reduce the overall cost you’ll be spending. This applies most especially to the logistics around delivery since you’ll most likely be paying the same amount it would have cost for the delivery of one item for all items purchased.
However, take note that you do not buy items that are heavier or occupy too much space as this could cost more. You may also be lucky to get a discounted delivery price or free delivery in some cases. Look out for these from the vendor’s description or ask them in person.
- Take Advantage Of Holiday Deals
Yes, take advantage of deals making rounds during the holiday season. Usually, vendors offer a certain percentage off the original prices of items during the holidays or special days (their birthday, Val’s Day etc).
Another type of discount to take advantage of are offers such as coupon codes, promo codes etc. These can easily be found on hashtags associated with the store or page.
- Compare Prices
There’s really no harm in comparing the price range of various vendors on items especially when shopping high. Usually, individual vendors place varying prices on the same item. And by comparing prices and going for the cheapest you can find, you’ll be saving yourself some cool bucks.
- Sign Up For Updates
To stay up-to-date on the latest sales, discounts, or special offers by cloth vendors, sign up to their preferred notification medium be it, email, or notification bars on social media platforms like Instagram.
By doing this, you get access to early on notifications about whatever deals they might be running and make the most of it.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to bother with clicking on that notification box just yet and be bombarded with every notification they have going on, you can target seasons like the holidays and Black Friday Sales when most vendors usually give discounts. Better still follow them on social media and stay updated on whatever discount sale they have going on.
Although these steps have worked for us in landing the cheapest deals on clothing items online, there is no guarantee that you’ll get cheaper deals yourself.
However, you can try any of these out to your own discretion and tell us what results you get in the comment box. Are there other methods you applied? Do let us know as well.
Business
Tunji-Ojo directs NIS to provide new passport printers to Nigerian consulates in US

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to provide new passport printers to two consulates in the United States.
A statement on Thursday by Babatunde Alao, the minister’s special adviser on media and publicity, said the order was an acknowledgement of previous petitions requesting passport printers in the Atlanta and New York consulates, respectively.
“This short-term solution aims to resolve the current challenge promptly,” the statement quoted the minister as saying.
Tunji-Ojo noted plans are in progress to implement a streamlined process that would enable Nigerians to apply for their passports with more ease.
“Part of this plan includes the activation of the Passport Personalisation Centre in Abuja, which is scheduled to start in the next few weeks,” the statement added.
“Also opening up more countries for the already-deployed contactless solution.”
The minister said there was already an end-to-end automation of the passport application process and the introduction of the contactless application process which was launched in Canada.
He assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to ensuring that citizens experience renewed hope, laced with innovation and convenience, while still enhancing national security.
Business
Arik Air shareholders tackle AMCON over N455bn debt claim

The shareholders of Arik Air, an indigenous airline currently under the control of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, have debunked claims that the debt accruable to the airline’s owner, Johnson Arumem-Ikhide, has risen to N455bn.
The shareholders, through a statement signed by their representative, Godwin Aideloje, described as fallacy the debt record of AMCON against Arik founder.
Earlier, AMCON, through its Head of Corporate Communication, Jude Nwauzor, said the total debt of Arumem-Ikhide was N455.17bn as of December 31, 2024, in all his three investments.
AMCON also said that its intervention in the troubled airline in February 2017 saved the carrier from liquidation, insisting that it would ensure the recovery of the total debts owed to the corporation by various business organisations in Arik Air.
Giving the breakdown of the total debt, Nwauzor alleged that Arik as of December 2024 owed AMCON N227.6bn; Rockson Engineering, N163.5bn, while Ojemai Farms owed the corporation another N14bn, totaling N455bn.
Reacting to this, Arik shareholders refused to comment on the matter saying it was currently before the court.
“This is a matter before the court. Unlike AMCON who have no respect for the courts, we will not resort to subjudical remarks. We will not join the desperate attempt by AMCON to overreach the courts and desecrate our justice system.
“The fictitious claim of N455bn as alleged Arik Air indebtedness to AMCON by Mr Jude Nwauzor is a fallacy. It seems clear that AMCON is invested in dubious storytelling and falsehoods.
This allegation is defeated by AMCON’s claim in its Suit No. FHC/L/CS/175/17 with which it took Arik Air into receivership and gained full control and management of operations, assets, and liabilities of the airline,” they stated in the statement.
The shareholders recalled a Federal High Court judgement of March 31, 2023, ordering AMCON and its Receiver Manager to file a statement of affairs and audited financial reports with the Corporate Affairs Commission to balance and compare the books, Aideloje said AMCON refused to appear before a Financial Reporting Council to defend it positions.
The shareholders said rather than appear before the reporting council, AMCON uploaded the audited account of the business(es) on the Arik Air website, a document the shareholders have also dismissed.
During the press briefing, the Head of Corporate Communication at AMCON said considering the state of Arik Air’s insolvency at the takeover time, the airline would have been sold in its entity if not for the intervention of the Federal Government which directed that the airline should be managed.
But in the shareholders’ reaction, Aideloje stressed that “It is instructive to note the new version of the reason why AMCON took over Arik is a government mandate. What a preposterous statement from a Federal Government employee! This is a gross misrepresentation of the Federal Government as being in the business of arbitrary takeover of private businesses with a stroke of pen. This is indeed a disservice to the government and people of Nigeria by AMCON.
“We wish to state again that before the forceful takeover, Arik Air was recognized for its operational excellence and significant contributions to Nigeria’s aviation sector. Contrary to AMCON’s claims, the airline was meeting its financial obligations, as evidenced by remarks and recognition by global institutions; recently Afreximbank acknowledged legacy Arik as a model in Africa at a just-concluded International Aircraft Leasing and Finance Conference in Ireland Dublin a few days ago.”