Mr. Buhari presented the budget Tuesday morning before a joint session of the National Assembly.
In the budget, capital expenditure takes N1.8 trillion, marking a significant over 300 per cent increment from the 2015 vote of N557 billion.
According to the estimate, N396billion is voted for education, being the largest sectoral allocation.
The health sector gets N296 billion while defence has N294 billion.
In his speech, Mr. Buhari said he was aware Nigerians were losing confidence in the government.
“But I promise the 2016 budget would address the problems,” the President said. “We are here to serve Nigeria and indeed Nigerians will get the services they have longed for.”
According to Mr. Buhari, the budget would ensure reduction in taxes for small businesses.
While reiterating his commitment to economic diversification, he said farming and mining would be given special focus.
He also promised that 500,000 new teachers would be recruited.
He assured that the Nigerian economy would cease to be oil dependent and would instead be characterised by inclusive growth.
“We must deliver security, jobs and infrastructures,” Mr. Buhari said.
On the hardship been faced by Nigerians as a result of fuel scarcity, the President apologised for the situation, admitting he was aware the scarcity had caused social dislocation across the country.
The President who blamed the fuel scarcity with long queues on market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders, said, “the current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.
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