Presidency defends implementation of 2012 budget

ABUJA—The presidency yesterday defended its implementation of the 2012 budget as the Minister of Agriculture disclosed that his ministry recorded 68 per cent budget utilisation of the funds.
The alleged non-implementation of the budget was the subject of an impeachment threat against President Goodluck Jonathan by the House of Representatives.

But speaking with newsmen after briefing the president on budget performance, Minister of Agriculture,  Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, said out of N48.1 billion budgeted for capital projects in the ministry, N13.8billion had been released out of which N9.4 billion had been spent while some of its parastatals have achieved as much as 100 per cent of the amount released to them from March when the budget was passed.
According to Akunwunmi, "the 2012 Budget was passed on the March 15, 2012 and the season started in January. N48.1billion was budgeted for capital projects with N13.8 billion released.

We have spent N9.4 billion of the amount released. We have achieved 68 per cent utilisation at least for the ministry, while some of our parastatals have achieved as much as 100 per cent of the amount released to them from March when the budget was passed".

He said the country would be self sufficient in rice production by 2015 and would therefore raise the tariff on rice importation by 100 per cent.

The Minister noted that the various landmarks being recorded in the agriculture sector was already receiving global recognition with Mr. Bill Gate accepted to be a member of the Eminent Persons Group, EPG, that would be advising Jonathan on agriculture.

"We are getting huge amount of supports. Bill Gates has agreed to seat on the eminent persons group. We have 36 and 6 regional Directors".
World Bank is to invest $900 million in Agric. IFAD  is to also raise $80 millon. While Bill and Melinda have agreed to establish an office making Nigeria a priority for the foundation".

Earlier in his opening remark, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said budget performance is something the President takes very seriously. It is not an event, it is a process.

The Ministers of Interior and Police Affairs have appeared before the President. Today, it was the turn of the Minister of Agriculture. I feel it is important for the minister to intimate you of what he and his team told the President. That is the essence of this briefing.

ADuring the inauguration of cabinet, the President laid emphasis on performance. You, journalists, are the eyes and the ears of the media and by extension, Nigerians.@

He said the President was satisfied with the progress the ministry was making in the area of agricultural transformation agenda the goal of which is to provide food security and reduce importation of food as well create sustainable jobs.
Source: Vanguard