The ministry of solid minerals has said that the 2015 budget had appropriated N704 million for the execution of capital projects, with only N352 million released by the end of the year.
The ministry said against the reported figure of N3.52 billion expended on settling the debts throughout the year, as disclosed by the minister, Kayode Fayemi during the 2016 budget defence in the House of Representatives, the figure was actually N352 million.
A statement emailed to Daily Trust by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, signed by deputy director, press, Ambrose Momoh, said the correction was meant to set the record straight for the public’s guidance.
“The total Capital Expenditure Budget Appropriated to the Ministry (Ministry of Solid Minerals Development) in the 2015 Annual Appropriation Act was N704 million, only N352 million (one half of the amount) was released to the Ministry.
“In view of the above facts, there is no way the Ministry would have spent the sum of N3.52 million on settling debts,” said the statement.
