2018 Appropriation Bill will be submitted by October - Udoma Udo Udoma

Nigeria's Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, has confirmed that the country will meet the October deadline for the submission of appropriation bills ahead of the 2018 budget. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Minister Udoma discussed the government's ongoing efforts to promote the 'Made in Nigeria' and 'Think Nigeria' campaigns, aimed at driving domestic production and economic growth. The 'Made in Nigeria' initiative, according to Udoma, is not just a short-term campaign but a long-term strategy to encourage self-reliance and boost exports. The government envisions Nigeria as a leading producer in West Africa and across the continent, with the campaign forming a crucial part of the economic recovery and growth plan. Udoma emphasized the importance of building a culture of consuming locally produced goods and fostering a sense of national pride in Nigerian products. The 'Made in Nigeria' campaign, he stressed, is at the core of efforts to transform Nigeria into a hub of manufacturing and innovation. When questioned about the level of adoption of the 'Made in Nigeria' concept among Nigerians, Udoma stated that it is an ongoing process that will be continuously reinforced through various initiatives, including the 'Think Nigeria' and 'Nigeria First' campaigns. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance economic diversification, increase job creation, and attract private sector investment. Reflecting on the economic recovery and growth plan, Udoma clarified that it spans from 2017 to 2020, serving as a guiding framework for successive annual budgets. He highlighted that over 300 billion has been released for critical infrastructure projects aligned with the plan's key focus areas, such as agriculture, energy, transportation, and manufacturing. As the government nears the end of the budget year, Udoma underscored the importance of aligning budgetary allocations with the strategic objectives outlined in the plan. Amidst discussions about meeting deadlines for the 2018 budget submission, Udoma reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering the appropriation bills to the National Assembly in October. He dismissed speculations of a delay, emphasizing that the executive branch is diligent in adhering to the set timeline. Despite potential challenges caused by changes in the parliamentary schedule, Udoma expressed confidence in meeting the October deadline and called for collaborative efforts between the government and the legislature. The minister's unwavering resolve to fulfill the budget submission by October signals the administration's dedication to promoting fiscal responsibility and driving sustainable economic development.