Yemisi Izuora
The Federal Government has spent about N336 billion from the 2017 Budget for Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies funding of capital projects in the first quarter of 2017.
The balance of N14 billion is being processed, pending resolution of some formalities within the agencies concerned.
Power, Works and Housing received the largest allocation of N90 billion, followed by Defence and Security, which got N71 billion, while Transport got N30 billion.
Furthermore, Agriculture received N30 billion and Water Resources got N12 billion.
Other sectors combined received a total sum of N103 billion.
The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, said the prioritization of the release of available funds was made in accordance with the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
Adeosun said in 2017, the Federal Government will continue to focus on capital expenditure spending on priority sectors to stimulate economic activities and job creation.
“Despite fiscal constraints, the Federal Government was able to fully cash-back the budgeted capital releases so far made, which is a reflection of the current administration’s commitment to economic development,” the Minister said.