The Federal Government has set aside N600 billion to consolidate on its Social Intervention Programmes.
The President Muhammadu Buhari said this when he presented the 2018 budget proposal to the joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, his administration remains committed to pursuing a gender-sensitive, pro-poor and inclusive growth.
He said that N500 billion of the N8.612 trillion 2018 budget proposal was earmarked for the implementation of the social intervention programme in 2018, adding that N100 billion of the N500 billion had been set aside for the Social Housing Programme.
“We are keenly interested in catering for the most vulnerable. Accordingly, we have retained the 500 billion Naira allocation to the Social Intervention Programme.
“Under the programme, 100 billion Naira has been set aside for the Social Housing Programme.
“Government will also continue to implement the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme, as well as the National Home-Grown School Feeding programme in 2018.
“These initiatives are already creating jobs and economic opportunity for local farmers and cooks, providing funding to artisans, traders and youths, as well as supporting small businesses with business education and mentoring.’’
On regional spending priorities for Peace, security and development, President Buhari announced that N65 billion had been set aside for the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
He said: “To maintain peace and security in the Niger Delta for economic and social activities to thrive, the provision of 65 billion Naira for the Presidential Amnesty Programme has been retained in the 2018 Budget.
“In addition, the capital provision for the Ministry of Niger Delta has been increased to 53.89 billion Naira from the 34.20 billion Naira provided in 2017. This is to further support the development in the region.
“We will complete all critical projects, including the East-West Road, which has a provision of about 17.32 billion Naira in 2018.
“Across the nation, and particularly in the North East region, our commitment to the security of life and property remains absolute.’’
President Buhari reiterated the determination of his administration to ensure that “gallant men and women in arms are properly equipped and well-motivated.’’
“The result of our efforts is evident in the gradual return to normalcy in the North East.
On the recently assented North-East Development Commission Bill, Buhari expressed optimism that the commission would consolidate on the ongoing efforts to combat insurgency, reintegrate Internally Displaced Persons and rebuild communities in the North East Region.
“Similar attention is being given to efforts to reduce violent crimes across the country.
“The Nigerian Army was recently deployed to combat the growing scourges of cattle rustling and banditry that have plagued our communities in Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara States.’’
President Buhari reassured that Federal Government would continue to arrest the incidence of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the nation.
