The Federal Government has projected to spend N6.72 trillion on petrol subsidy payments in 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, Speaking at the presentation of the 2023-2035 Medium Term Expenditure Framework & Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF&FSP) in Abuja, said subsidy payment projection is based on two prevailing scenarios — business-as-usual or reform.
“Scenario 1 is the Business-as-Usual. This is assuming that the subsidy on PMS, which is estimated at N6.72 trillion for the full year 2023, will remain and be fully provided for,” she said.
“Scenario 2 – the Reform scenario: This assumes that petrol subsidy will remain up to mid-2023 based on the 18-month extension announced early 2021, in which case only N3.36 trillion will be provided for.”
She, however, said both scenarios have implications for net accretion to the federation account and projected deficit levels.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government has recorded a N2 trillion budget deficit between January and April.
She explained that the deficit further highlights the fiscal challenges confronting the current administration.
Ahmed also said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited which has funded the fuel subsidy until June will henceforth leave that responsibility to the federation, an action she said will create a strain on the economy.
Source: FG to spend N6.72tn on fuel subsidy in 2023 – StocksWatch (stocksng.com)
