Presidency blames Niger Delta crisis for slow 2016 budget implementation

President Buhari and Femi Adesina

Speaking at a phone-in Programme on Channels Television on Sunday night, the president's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, attributed the slow implementation of the 2016 National Budget to the crisis in the Niger Delta region, saying that the economy has been largely affected.

Adesina recalled that there had been incessant bombing of national oil and gas assets by the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA which has grossly affected oil production. Similarly, the impact of the budget signed into law by president Mohammadu Buhari on May 6, 2016 was yet to be felt.

The preisdent's spokesman also stated that the government had started off negotiations with the Niger Delta militants to find lasting solution to the restiveness in the region.

“Yes the budget has been passed. The intention is to implement that budget as much as possible but then the circumstances are making it difficult because projections are not being met because of what is happening in the Niger Delta and other parts of the economy.

“But as much as possible the government would still adhere to that project as much as revenue will permit and allow.

“Every option is on the table. There was never a time anything was ruled out. All the options were on the table. You will recall that when some South South leaders visited the President led by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, he also disclosed that he had encouraged the security agencies to dialogue with the militant and the leadership of that region.

“So there was never a time that anything was ruled out, since the insurgency began there had always been dialogue,” Adesina explained.