‘Budget deficit projected to hit N7.35trn’ — Buhari seeks reps’ approval for new borrowing

President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the house of representatives seeking an increase in the 2022 budget deficit to be financed through borrowing from the domestic market.

Buhari said this in a letter read by Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, on Thursday.

The president said the total budget deficit is projected to increase by N965.42 billion to N7.35 trillion, representing 3.99% of GDP.

He said the incremental deficit will be financed by new borrowings from the domestic market.

The President also requested the review of the 2022 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), upon which the budget was hinged.

“As you are aware, Mr Speaker, the new development both in the global economy as well as the domestic economy has necessitated the revision of the 2022 fiscal framework on which the 2022 budget was based.

“The total budget deficit is projected to increase from N965.42 billion to N7.35 trillion, representing 3.99 percent of the GDP.

“The increment of the deficit will be financed by new borrowings from the domestic market.

“Given the urgency of the request for revision of the 2022 fiscal framework and 2022 budget amendment, I seek the corporation of the National Assembly for expeditious action on this request,” he said.

The speaker referred the letter to the house committee on finance for further legislative action.