written by NAN
THE fall in the price of crude oil
in the international market is sending economic and political shocks around the
world.
The hardest hit has been countries
whose economies depend largely on oil for appreciable percentage of their
foreign exchange earnings.
According to experts, crude oil
accounts for about 95 of Nigeria’s foreign exchange receipts.
The reality of possible crippling
budget shortfalls also stares many oil exporting countries in the face as the
priced commodity has hit its lowest price level in four years.
Crude oil prices started dropping in
the international market from as high as 110 dollars per barrel in January to
the current level of 58 dollars.
Nigeria’s reference crude, the Bonny
Light, is currently trading at about 62 dollars per barrel.
It is noteworthy that crude oil is
not just the principal export commodity of the country, but indeed all aspects
of the nation’s economy rely on the commodity as the major source of revenue.
The annual budgets, which define the
direction that the country, is based on crude oil price benchmarks.
While the 2014 budget was based on
78 dollars per barrel, the 2015 has been predicated at 65 dollars per barrel.
According to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the fall in
oil prices has led to new austerity measures.
The minister said the country would
begin to feel the negative impact of the fall in global oil prices, cautioning
that the country would need to brace up for tougher times ahead by reviewing
its expenditures and building economic buffers through budgets based on modest
oil prices.
She said that the decline in crude
oil prices had assumed a disturbing dimension.
``Without a doubt, this slowdown in
global economic activities, coupled with the end in the quantitative easing in
the U. S., will affect the sub-Saharan African economy, in addition to regions’
other specific challenges.
``As we all know, many countries on
the continent depend on commodity exports as their main sources of revenue.
``Nigeria and other countries on the
African continent must step back and learn the lessons of the ongoing economic
transformation.
``The Federal Government has set up
a strong stabilisation policy, but the most important being that we must be
able to sustain the drive”.
But a former Governor of Lagos State
Governor, Alhaji Bola Tinubu, in an essay on ``Slump in Oil Prices: A
Progressive Way Out’’, has argued that the austerity measures proposed by the
government would further enrich the affluent.
He said that the austerity measures
would put average Nigerians into more hardship and economic depression.
Tinubu said that the austerity
measures embarked by some countries in the Euro zone had not solved their
economic problems in the past five years since the global financial crises.
``All that austerity has done is to
tighten the grip of the wealthy on the economy, while weakening the position of
the middle class and the poor”.
Mr Kazeem Bello, an energy expert,
said the impact of Nigeria’s continued dependence on oil as major revenue
earner is very grave.
According to him, the glut in the
oil market following the discovery of crude oil in many parts of the world and
the new wave of alternative energy sources, particularly shale oil, have had
adverse effects on Nigeria.
``In the face of such dreadful
challenges, we have no option than to put our economy in order. First, we
diversify in terms of other viable frontiers of international revenue earning.
``Secondly, we must make the private
sector our engine of growth in order to generate more exportable goods and
services.
``Thirdly, government should
demonstrate the political will to fight corruption and mismanagement which are
part of a `lachrymal waste pipe’ of public resources and finally, we should
create the enabling environment for direct inflow of foreign investment,” he
said.
Mr Idris Simon, Managing Partner,
Magnet Oil Company, said that Nigerians should be ready for harsh economic
measures in the nearest future as a result of the continued fall in the prices
of oil.
Simon said that the current steps by
the Federal Government were good, but wondered if the current measures could
actually cushion the impact of the fall in oil prices.
He, however, said that the most
important thing was the fact that government accepted that it had to do
something with respect to the falling oil prices.
``What we are seeing now is not a
short-term phenomenon, whether the therapy is adequate is another issue. But I
think it is a good move and it has not ruled out other moves’’.
Mr Samuel Kalu, another energy
expert, said that government’s resolve to adopt austerity measures was not
surprising.
According to him about 80 per cent
of our earning is from oil and so it is not a surprise that the government is
adopting austerity measures, considering the fast decline in oil prices.
``This is actually the beginning of
things to happen, apart from imposing tax on luxuries, they should look at how
to diversify the economy by creating the enabling environment so that
industries can thrive.
``Increasing or taxing more
utilities is not the major solution; the government should now make more effort
at diversifying the economy.
``They should make concerted efforts
at ensuring that the agricultural sector and a few others are working.
``Nigerians may not worry much about
the tax issues because they are expected, but tax revenue should be used
wisely.
``It should not end in the pockets
of a few individuals because the country’s earnings are mostly from oil, it
means that a fall in the price of the commodity will deny the country a lot of
income to provide roads, power plants and many other things that will benefit
the ordinary Nigerian,’’ he said.
Mr Seyi Gambo, a former National
Public Relations Officer of PENGASSAN, advised the Federal Government to tackle
the issue of wastages in the economy by slashing the emoluments of members of
the National Assembly.
He also called for reduction in the
expenses of running the executive arm of government.
According to him, there is no sense
in keeping 10 aircraft for the president at a period when revenue is going
down.
Gambo, however, expressed fears that
although the austerity measures, announced by the government, were bound to
trigger panic actions in the money and capital markets, but the long-term
measure should be to diversify the economy.
According to him, with the decline
in crude oil prices, all things being equal, should translate into reduction in
pump prices in the local market too, but this would depend on the level of
price decline.
``But the reduction in pump price is
unlikely in the Nigerian scenario at this time,’’ Gambo said.
``One has to look at the dynamics of
fuel pricing at this moment to ascertain the landing cost from the decline in
oil prices at the international markets vis-à-vis the subsidy gap paid by
government.
``I think the pricing template
should be adjusted to reflect the current price reality. If that is
implemented, which I think the PPPRA would have adjusted; we may then see a
drop in the amount of subsidy paid by the government.
``So, I think the decline in crude
oil prices in the short run will be a big positive for countries that depend
largely on oil imports for their oil consumption. But for Nigeria, the
situation could be in a dilemma.
``We earn less during a price
decline as a producer, which reduces our revenue base.
``On the other hand, we are better
off as an importer of refined crude oil, which reduces our import bill and also
lowers the subsidy burden for the government which should even make it easier
for the government to make case for deregulation of pump prices.
``But the current scenario may not
be tenable because of the anticipated public outcry that may follow,
particularly as election year approaches.
``Just recently, the government of
Rwanda announced a reduction in fuel pump prices by about 4.95 per cent mainly
due to reduction in oil prices at the international market.
``Again, this is where the need to
fix our refineries or get more private investors to invest in building more
refineries in the country just like that of Dangote that is billed to come up
by 2018,’’ Gambo said.
Mr Kunle Stenvenson, the Managing
Director of Legacy Communications, said the oil glut would remain in the market
and oil prices would continue to fall.
``Since the announcement, prices
have fallen sharply. As at the time the announcement was made, the reference
price was around 76.3 dollars per barrel, few minutes after, it fell to 74.5
dollars, and of course it is not relenting.
``You can understand what this would
mean for Nigeria because we just set our 2015 benchmark oil price at 65
dollars. It means there will be no excess crude account if the decline
continues,” he said.
Stenvenson said that the country
might not see significant growth in production as a result of oil theft,
stressing that the contribution from the oil sector to revenue could
significantly reduce.
``Oil accounts for up to 95 per cent
of foreign earnings, but production has stagnated in the past two years as a
result of oil theft and slowdown in investment’’.
The challenge is for government to
come with long-term solutions to stave off impending economic depression. (NAN)
- See more at:
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/national-news
THE fall in the price of crude oil in the international market is sending economic and political shocks around the world.
The hardest hit has been countries
whose economies depend largely on oil for appreciable percentage of
their foreign exchange earnings.
According to experts, crude oil accounts for about 95 of Nigeria’s foreign exchange receipts.
The reality of possible crippling
budget shortfalls also stares many oil exporting countries in the face
as the priced commodity has hit its lowest price level in four years.
Crude oil prices started dropping
in the international market from as high as 110 dollars per barrel in
January to the current level of 58 dollars.
Nigeria’s reference crude, the Bonny Light, is currently trading at about 62 dollars per barrel.
It is noteworthy that crude oil is
not just the principal export commodity of the country, but indeed all
aspects of the nation’s economy rely on the commodity as the major
source of revenue.
The annual budgets, which define the direction that the country, is based on crude oil price benchmarks.
While the 2014 budget was based on 78 dollars per barrel, the 2015 has been predicated at 65 dollars per barrel.
According to Dr Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the
Economy, the fall in oil prices has led to new austerity measures.
The minister said the country
would begin to feel the negative impact of the fall in global oil
prices, cautioning that the country would need to brace up for tougher
times ahead by reviewing its expenditures and building economic buffers
through budgets based on modest oil prices.
She said that the decline in crude oil prices had assumed a disturbing dimension.
``Without a doubt, this slowdown
in global economic activities, coupled with the end in the quantitative
easing in the U. S., will affect the sub-Saharan African economy, in
addition to regions’ other specific challenges.
``As we all know, many countries on the continent depend on commodity exports as their main sources of revenue.
``Nigeria and other countries on
the African continent must step back and learn the lessons of the
ongoing economic transformation.
``The Federal Government has set
up a strong stabilisation policy, but the most important being that we
must be able to sustain the drive”.
But a former Governor of Lagos
State Governor, Alhaji Bola Tinubu, in an essay on ``Slump in Oil
Prices: A Progressive Way Out’’, has argued that the austerity measures
proposed by the government would further enrich the affluent.
He said that the austerity measures would put average Nigerians into more hardship and economic depression.
Tinubu said that the austerity
measures embarked by some countries in the Euro zone had not solved
their economic problems in the past five years since the global
financial crises.
``All that austerity has done is
to tighten the grip of the wealthy on the economy, while weakening the
position of the middle class and the poor”.
Mr Kazeem Bello, an energy expert,
said the impact of Nigeria’s continued dependence on oil as major
revenue earner is very grave.
According to him, the glut in the
oil market following the discovery of crude oil in many parts of the
world and the new wave of alternative energy sources, particularly shale
oil, have had adverse effects on Nigeria.
``In the face of such dreadful
challenges, we have no option than to put our economy in order. First,
we diversify in terms of other viable frontiers of international revenue
earning.
``Secondly, we must make the private sector our engine of growth in order to generate more exportable goods and services.
``Thirdly, government should
demonstrate the political will to fight corruption and mismanagement
which are part of a `lachrymal waste pipe’ of public resources and
finally, we should create the enabling environment for direct inflow of
foreign investment,” he said.
Mr Idris Simon, Managing Partner,
Magnet Oil Company, said that Nigerians should be ready for harsh
economic measures in the nearest future as a result of the continued
fall in the prices of oil.
Simon said that the current steps
by the Federal Government were good, but wondered if the current
measures could actually cushion the impact of the fall in oil prices.
He, however, said that the most
important thing was the fact that government accepted that it had to do
something with respect to the falling oil prices.
``What we are seeing now is not a
short-term phenomenon, whether the therapy is adequate is another issue.
But I think it is a good move and it has not ruled out other moves’’.
Mr Samuel Kalu, another energy expert, said that government’s resolve to adopt austerity measures was not surprising.
According to him about 80 per cent
of our earning is from oil and so it is not a surprise that the
government is adopting austerity measures, considering the fast decline
in oil prices.
``This is actually the beginning
of things to happen, apart from imposing tax on luxuries, they should
look at how to diversify the economy by creating the enabling
environment so that industries can thrive.
``Increasing or taxing more
utilities is not the major solution; the government should now make more
effort at diversifying the economy.
``They should make concerted efforts at ensuring that the agricultural sector and a few others are working.
``Nigerians may not worry much about the tax issues because they are expected, but tax revenue should be used wisely.
``It should not end in the pockets
of a few individuals because the country’s earnings are mostly from
oil, it means that a fall in the price of the commodity will deny the
country a lot of income to provide roads, power plants and many other
things that will benefit the ordinary Nigerian,’’ he said.
Mr Seyi Gambo, a former National
Public Relations Officer of PENGASSAN, advised the Federal Government to
tackle the issue of wastages in the economy by slashing the emoluments
of members of the National Assembly.
He also called for reduction in the expenses of running the executive arm of government.
According to him, there is no sense in keeping 10 aircraft for the president at a period when revenue is going down.
Gambo, however, expressed fears
that although the austerity measures, announced by the government, were
bound to trigger panic actions in the money and capital markets, but the
long-term measure should be to diversify the economy.
According to him, with the decline
in crude oil prices, all things being equal, should translate into
reduction in pump prices in the local market too, but this would depend
on the level of price decline.
``But the reduction in pump price is unlikely in the Nigerian scenario at this time,’’ Gambo said.
``One has to look at the dynamics
of fuel pricing at this moment to ascertain the landing cost from the
decline in oil prices at the international markets vis-à-vis the subsidy
gap paid by government.
``I think the pricing template
should be adjusted to reflect the current price reality. If that is
implemented, which I think the PPPRA would have adjusted; we may then
see a drop in the amount of subsidy paid by the government.
``So, I think the decline in crude
oil prices in the short run will be a big positive for countries that
depend largely on oil imports for their oil consumption. But for
Nigeria, the situation could be in a dilemma.
``We earn less during a price decline as a producer, which reduces our revenue base.
``On the other hand, we are better
off as an importer of refined crude oil, which reduces our import bill
and also lowers the subsidy burden for the government which should even
make it easier for the government to make case for deregulation of pump
prices.
``But the current scenario may not
be tenable because of the anticipated public outcry that may follow,
particularly as election year approaches.
``Just recently, the government of
Rwanda announced a reduction in fuel pump prices by about 4.95 per cent
mainly due to reduction in oil prices at the international market.
``Again, this is where the need to
fix our refineries or get more private investors to invest in building
more refineries in the country just like that of Dangote that is billed
to come up by 2018,’’ Gambo said.
Mr Kunle Stenvenson, the Managing
Director of Legacy Communications, said the oil glut would remain in the
market and oil prices would continue to fall.
``Since the announcement, prices
have fallen sharply. As at the time the announcement was made, the
reference price was around 76.3 dollars per barrel, few minutes after,
it fell to 74.5 dollars, and of course it is not relenting.
``You can understand what this
would mean for Nigeria because we just set our 2015 benchmark oil price
at 65 dollars. It means there will be no excess crude account if the
decline continues,” he said.
Stenvenson said that the country
might not see significant growth in production as a result of oil theft,
stressing that the contribution from the oil sector to revenue could
significantly reduce.
``Oil accounts for up to 95 per
cent of foreign earnings, but production has stagnated in the past two
years as a result of oil theft and slowdown in investment’’.
The challenge is for government to come with long-term solutions to stave off impending economic depression. (NAN)
- See more at:
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/national-news/191553-implications-of-falling-oil-prices-on-nigeria-s-economy#sthash.E1tquUGL.dpuf
THE fall in the price of crude oil in the international market is sending economic and political shocks around the world.
The hardest hit has been countries
whose economies depend largely on oil for appreciable percentage of
their foreign exchange earnings.
According to experts, crude oil accounts for about 95 of Nigeria’s foreign exchange receipts.
The reality of possible crippling
budget shortfalls also stares many oil exporting countries in the face
as the priced commodity has hit its lowest price level in four years.
Crude oil prices started dropping
in the international market from as high as 110 dollars per barrel in
January to the current level of 58 dollars.
Nigeria’s reference crude, the Bonny Light, is currently trading at about 62 dollars per barrel.
It is noteworthy that crude oil is
not just the principal export commodity of the country, but indeed all
aspects of the nation’s economy rely on the commodity as the major
source of revenue.
The annual budgets, which define the direction that the country, is based on crude oil price benchmarks.
While the 2014 budget was based on 78 dollars per barrel, the 2015 has been predicated at 65 dollars per barrel.
According to Dr Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the
Economy, the fall in oil prices has led to new austerity measures.
The minister said the country
would begin to feel the negative impact of the fall in global oil
prices, cautioning that the country would need to brace up for tougher
times ahead by reviewing its expenditures and building economic buffers
through budgets based on modest oil prices.
She said that the decline in crude oil prices had assumed a disturbing dimension.
``Without a doubt, this slowdown
in global economic activities, coupled with the end in the quantitative
easing in the U. S., will affect the sub-Saharan African economy, in
addition to regions’ other specific challenges.
``As we all know, many countries on the continent depend on commodity exports as their main sources of revenue.
``Nigeria and other countries on
the African continent must step back and learn the lessons of the
ongoing economic transformation.
``The Federal Government has set
up a strong stabilisation policy, but the most important being that we
must be able to sustain the drive”.
But a former Governor of Lagos
State Governor, Alhaji Bola Tinubu, in an essay on ``Slump in Oil
Prices: A Progressive Way Out’’, has argued that the austerity measures
proposed by the government would further enrich the affluent.
He said that the austerity measures would put average Nigerians into more hardship and economic depression.
Tinubu said that the austerity
measures embarked by some countries in the Euro zone had not solved
their economic problems in the past five years since the global
financial crises.
``All that austerity has done is
to tighten the grip of the wealthy on the economy, while weakening the
position of the middle class and the poor”.
Mr Kazeem Bello, an energy expert,
said the impact of Nigeria’s continued dependence on oil as major
revenue earner is very grave.
According to him, the glut in the
oil market following the discovery of crude oil in many parts of the
world and the new wave of alternative energy sources, particularly shale
oil, have had adverse effects on Nigeria.
``In the face of such dreadful
challenges, we have no option than to put our economy in order. First,
we diversify in terms of other viable frontiers of international revenue
earning.
``Secondly, we must make the private sector our engine of growth in order to generate more exportable goods and services.
``Thirdly, government should
demonstrate the political will to fight corruption and mismanagement
which are part of a `lachrymal waste pipe’ of public resources and
finally, we should create the enabling environment for direct inflow of
foreign investment,” he said.
Mr Idris Simon, Managing Partner,
Magnet Oil Company, said that Nigerians should be ready for harsh
economic measures in the nearest future as a result of the continued
fall in the prices of oil.
Simon said that the current steps
by the Federal Government were good, but wondered if the current
measures could actually cushion the impact of the fall in oil prices.
He, however, said that the most
important thing was the fact that government accepted that it had to do
something with respect to the falling oil prices.
``What we are seeing now is not a
short-term phenomenon, whether the therapy is adequate is another issue.
But I think it is a good move and it has not ruled out other moves’’.
Mr Samuel Kalu, another energy expert, said that government’s resolve to adopt austerity measures was not surprising.
According to him about 80 per cent
of our earning is from oil and so it is not a surprise that the
government is adopting austerity measures, considering the fast decline
in oil prices.
``This is actually the beginning
of things to happen, apart from imposing tax on luxuries, they should
look at how to diversify the economy by creating the enabling
environment so that industries can thrive.
``Increasing or taxing more
utilities is not the major solution; the government should now make more
effort at diversifying the economy.
``They should make concerted efforts at ensuring that the agricultural sector and a few others are working.
``Nigerians may not worry much about the tax issues because they are expected, but tax revenue should be used wisely.
``It should not end in the pockets
of a few individuals because the country’s earnings are mostly from
oil, it means that a fall in the price of the commodity will deny the
country a lot of income to provide roads, power plants and many other
things that will benefit the ordinary Nigerian,’’ he said.
Mr Seyi Gambo, a former National
Public Relations Officer of PENGASSAN, advised the Federal Government to
tackle the issue of wastages in the economy by slashing the emoluments
of members of the National Assembly.
He also called for reduction in the expenses of running the executive arm of government.
According to him, there is no sense in keeping 10 aircraft for the president at a period when revenue is going down.
Gambo, however, expressed fears
that although the austerity measures, announced by the government, were
bound to trigger panic actions in the money and capital markets, but the
long-term measure should be to diversify the economy.
According to him, with the decline
in crude oil prices, all things being equal, should translate into
reduction in pump prices in the local market too, but this would depend
on the level of price decline.
``But the reduction in pump price is unlikely in the Nigerian scenario at this time,’’ Gambo said.
``One has to look at the dynamics
of fuel pricing at this moment to ascertain the landing cost from the
decline in oil prices at the international markets vis-à-vis the subsidy
gap paid by government.
``I think the pricing template
should be adjusted to reflect the current price reality. If that is
implemented, which I think the PPPRA would have adjusted; we may then
see a drop in the amount of subsidy paid by the government.
``So, I think the decline in crude
oil prices in the short run will be a big positive for countries that
depend largely on oil imports for their oil consumption. But for
Nigeria, the situation could be in a dilemma.
``We earn less during a price decline as a producer, which reduces our revenue base.
``On the other hand, we are better
off as an importer of refined crude oil, which reduces our import bill
and also lowers the subsidy burden for the government which should even
make it easier for the government to make case for deregulation of pump
prices.
``But the current scenario may not
be tenable because of the anticipated public outcry that may follow,
particularly as election year approaches.
``Just recently, the government of
Rwanda announced a reduction in fuel pump prices by about 4.95 per cent
mainly due to reduction in oil prices at the international market.
``Again, this is where the need to
fix our refineries or get more private investors to invest in building
more refineries in the country just like that of Dangote that is billed
to come up by 2018,’’ Gambo said.
Mr Kunle Stenvenson, the Managing
Director of Legacy Communications, said the oil glut would remain in the
market and oil prices would continue to fall.
``Since the announcement, prices
have fallen sharply. As at the time the announcement was made, the
reference price was around 76.3 dollars per barrel, few minutes after,
it fell to 74.5 dollars, and of course it is not relenting.
``You can understand what this
would mean for Nigeria because we just set our 2015 benchmark oil price
at 65 dollars. It means there will be no excess crude account if the
decline continues,” he said.
Stenvenson said that the country
might not see significant growth in production as a result of oil theft,
stressing that the contribution from the oil sector to revenue could
significantly reduce.
``Oil accounts for up to 95 per
cent of foreign earnings, but production has stagnated in the past two
years as a result of oil theft and slowdown in investment’’.
The challenge is for government to come with long-term solutions to stave off impending economic depression. (NAN)
- See more at:
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/national-news/191553-implications-of-falling-oil-prices-on-nigeria-s-economy#sthash.E1tquUGL.dpuf
THE fall in the price of crude oil in the international market is sending economic and political shocks around the world.
The hardest hit has been countries
whose economies depend largely on oil for appreciable percentage of
their foreign exchange earnings.
According to experts, crude oil accounts for about 95 of Nigeria’s foreign exchange receipts.
The reality of possible crippling
budget shortfalls also stares many oil exporting countries in the face
as the priced commodity has hit its lowest price level in four years.
Crude oil prices started dropping
in the international market from as high as 110 dollars per barrel in
January to the current level of 58 dollars.
Nigeria’s reference crude, the Bonny Light, is currently trading at about 62 dollars per barrel.
It is noteworthy that crude oil is
not just the principal export commodity of the country, but indeed all
aspects of the nation’s economy rely on the commodity as the major
source of revenue.
The annual budgets, which define the direction that the country, is based on crude oil price benchmarks.
While the 2014 budget was based on 78 dollars per barrel, the 2015 has been predicated at 65 dollars per barrel.
According to Dr Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the
Economy, the fall in oil prices has led to new austerity measures.
The minister said the country
would begin to feel the negative impact of the fall in global oil
prices, cautioning that the country would need to brace up for tougher
times ahead by reviewing its expenditures and building economic buffers
through budgets based on modest oil prices.
She said that the decline in crude oil prices had assumed a disturbing dimension.
``Without a doubt, this slowdown
in global economic activities, coupled with the end in the quantitative
easing in the U. S., will affect the sub-Saharan African economy, in
addition to regions’ other specific challenges.
``As we all know, many countries on the continent depend on commodity exports as their main sources of revenue.
``Nigeria and other countries on
the African continent must step back and learn the lessons of the
ongoing economic transformation.
``The Federal Government has set
up a strong stabilisation policy, but the most important being that we
must be able to sustain the drive”.
But a former Governor of Lagos
State Governor, Alhaji Bola Tinubu, in an essay on ``Slump in Oil
Prices: A Progressive Way Out’’, has argued that the austerity measures
proposed by the government would further enrich the affluent.
He said that the austerity measures would put average Nigerians into more hardship and economic depression.
Tinubu said that the austerity
measures embarked by some countries in the Euro zone had not solved
their economic problems in the past five years since the global
financial crises.
``All that austerity has done is
to tighten the grip of the wealthy on the economy, while weakening the
position of the middle class and the poor”.
Mr Kazeem Bello, an energy expert,
said the impact of Nigeria’s continued dependence on oil as major
revenue earner is very grave.
According to him, the glut in the
oil market following the discovery of crude oil in many parts of the
world and the new wave of alternative energy sources, particularly shale
oil, have had adverse effects on Nigeria.
``In the face of such dreadful
challenges, we have no option than to put our economy in order. First,
we diversify in terms of other viable frontiers of international revenue
earning.
``Secondly, we must make the private sector our engine of growth in order to generate more exportable goods and services.
``Thirdly, government should
demonstrate the political will to fight corruption and mismanagement
which are part of a `lachrymal waste pipe’ of public resources and
finally, we should create the enabling environment for direct inflow of
foreign investment,” he said.
Mr Idris Simon, Managing Partner,
Magnet Oil Company, said that Nigerians should be ready for harsh
economic measures in the nearest future as a result of the continued
fall in the prices of oil.
Simon said that the current steps
by the Federal Government were good, but wondered if the current
measures could actually cushion the impact of the fall in oil prices.
He, however, said that the most
important thing was the fact that government accepted that it had to do
something with respect to the falling oil prices.
``What we are seeing now is not a
short-term phenomenon, whether the therapy is adequate is another issue.
But I think it is a good move and it has not ruled out other moves’’.
Mr Samuel Kalu, another energy expert, said that government’s resolve to adopt austerity measures was not surprising.
According to him about 80 per cent
of our earning is from oil and so it is not a surprise that the
government is adopting austerity measures, considering the fast decline
in oil prices.
``This is actually the beginning
of things to happen, apart from imposing tax on luxuries, they should
look at how to diversify the economy by creating the enabling
environment so that industries can thrive.
``Increasing or taxing more
utilities is not the major solution; the government should now make more
effort at diversifying the economy.
``They should make concerted efforts at ensuring that the agricultural sector and a few others are working.
``Nigerians may not worry much about the tax issues because they are expected, but tax revenue should be used wisely.
``It should not end in the pockets
of a few individuals because the country’s earnings are mostly from
oil, it means that a fall in the price of the commodity will deny the
country a lot of income to provide roads, power plants and many other
things that will benefit the ordinary Nigerian,’’ he said.
Mr Seyi Gambo, a former National
Public Relations Officer of PENGASSAN, advised the Federal Government to
tackle the issue of wastages in the economy by slashing the emoluments
of members of the National Assembly.
He also called for reduction in the expenses of running the executive arm of government.
According to him, there is no sense in keeping 10 aircraft for the president at a period when revenue is going down.
Gambo, however, expressed fears
that although the austerity measures, announced by the government, were
bound to trigger panic actions in the money and capital markets, but the
long-term measure should be to diversify the economy.
According to him, with the decline
in crude oil prices, all things being equal, should translate into
reduction in pump prices in the local market too, but this would depend
on the level of price decline.
``But the reduction in pump price is unlikely in the Nigerian scenario at this time,’’ Gambo said.
``One has to look at the dynamics
of fuel pricing at this moment to ascertain the landing cost from the
decline in oil prices at the international markets vis-à-vis the subsidy
gap paid by government.
``I think the pricing template
should be adjusted to reflect the current price reality. If that is
implemented, which I think the PPPRA would have adjusted; we may then
see a drop in the amount of subsidy paid by the government.
``So, I think the decline in crude
oil prices in the short run will be a big positive for countries that
depend largely on oil imports for their oil consumption. But for
Nigeria, the situation could be in a dilemma.
``We earn less during a price decline as a producer, which reduces our revenue base.
``On the other hand, we are better
off as an importer of refined crude oil, which reduces our import bill
and also lowers the subsidy burden for the government which should even
make it easier for the government to make case for deregulation of pump
prices.
``But the current scenario may not
be tenable because of the anticipated public outcry that may follow,
particularly as election year approaches.
``Just recently, the government of
Rwanda announced a reduction in fuel pump prices by about 4.95 per cent
mainly due to reduction in oil prices at the international market.
``Again, this is where the need to
fix our refineries or get more private investors to invest in building
more refineries in the country just like that of Dangote that is billed
to come up by 2018,’’ Gambo said.
Mr Kunle Stenvenson, the Managing
Director of Legacy Communications, said the oil glut would remain in the
market and oil prices would continue to fall.
``Since the announcement, prices
have fallen sharply. As at the time the announcement was made, the
reference price was around 76.3 dollars per barrel, few minutes after,
it fell to 74.5 dollars, and of course it is not relenting.
``You can understand what this
would mean for Nigeria because we just set our 2015 benchmark oil price
at 65 dollars. It means there will be no excess crude account if the
decline continues,” he said.
Stenvenson said that the country
might not see significant growth in production as a result of oil theft,
stressing that the contribution from the oil sector to revenue could
significantly reduce.
``Oil accounts for up to 95 per
cent of foreign earnings, but production has stagnated in the past two
years as a result of oil theft and slowdown in investment’’.
The challenge is for government to come with long-term solutions to stave off impending economic depression. (NAN)
- See more at:
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/national-news/191553-implications-of-falling-oil-prices-on-nigeria-s-economy#sthash.E1tquUGL.dpuf
THE fall in the price of crude oil in the international market is sending economic and political shocks around the world.
The hardest hit has been countries
whose economies depend largely on oil for appreciable percentage of
their foreign exchange earnings.
According to experts, crude oil accounts for about 95 of Nigeria’s foreign exchange receipts.
The reality of possible crippling
budget shortfalls also stares many oil exporting countries in the face
as the priced commodity has hit its lowest price level in four years.
Crude oil prices started dropping
in the international market from as high as 110 dollars per barrel in
January to the current level of 58 dollars.
Nigeria’s reference crude, the Bonny Light, is currently trading at about 62 dollars per barrel.
It is noteworthy that crude oil is
not just the principal export commodity of the country, but indeed all
aspects of the nation’s economy rely on the commodity as the major
source of revenue.
The annual budgets, which define the direction that the country, is based on crude oil price benchmarks.
While the 2014 budget was based on 78 dollars per barrel, the 2015 has been predicated at 65 dollars per barrel.
According to Dr Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the
Economy, the fall in oil prices has led to new austerity measures.
The minister said the country
would begin to feel the negative impact of the fall in global oil
prices, cautioning that the country would need to brace up for tougher
times ahead by reviewing its expenditures and building economic buffers
through budgets based on modest oil prices.
She said that the decline in crude oil prices had assumed a disturbing dimension.
``Without a doubt, this slowdown
in global economic activities, coupled with the end in the quantitative
easing in the U. S., will affect the sub-Saharan African economy, in
addition to regions’ other specific challenges.
``As we all know, many countries on the continent depend on commodity exports as their main sources of revenue.
``Nigeria and other countries on
the African continent must step back and learn the lessons of the
ongoing economic transformation.
``The Federal Government has set
up a strong stabilisation policy, but the most important being that we
must be able to sustain the drive”.
But a former Governor of Lagos
State Governor, Alhaji Bola Tinubu, in an essay on ``Slump in Oil
Prices: A Progressive Way Out’’, has argued that the austerity measures
proposed by the government would further enrich the affluent.
He said that the austerity measures would put average Nigerians into more hardship and economic depression.
Tinubu said that the austerity
measures embarked by some countries in the Euro zone had not solved
their economic problems in the past five years since the global
financial crises.
``All that austerity has done is
to tighten the grip of the wealthy on the economy, while weakening the
position of the middle class and the poor”.
Mr Kazeem Bello, an energy expert,
said the impact of Nigeria’s continued dependence on oil as major
revenue earner is very grave.
According to him, the glut in the
oil market following the discovery of crude oil in many parts of the
world and the new wave of alternative energy sources, particularly shale
oil, have had adverse effects on Nigeria.
``In the face of such dreadful
challenges, we have no option than to put our economy in order. First,
we diversify in terms of other viable frontiers of international revenue
earning.
``Secondly, we must make the private sector our engine of growth in order to generate more exportable goods and services.
``Thirdly, government should
demonstrate the political will to fight corruption and mismanagement
which are part of a `lachrymal waste pipe’ of public resources and
finally, we should create the enabling environment for direct inflow of
foreign investment,” he said.
Mr Idris Simon, Managing Partner,
Magnet Oil Company, said that Nigerians should be ready for harsh
economic measures in the nearest future as a result of the continued
fall in the prices of oil.
Simon said that the current steps
by the Federal Government were good, but wondered if the current
measures could actually cushion the impact of the fall in oil prices.
He, however, said that the most
important thing was the fact that government accepted that it had to do
something with respect to the falling oil prices.
``What we are seeing now is not a
short-term phenomenon, whether the therapy is adequate is another issue.
But I think it is a good move and it has not ruled out other moves’’.
Mr Samuel Kalu, another energy expert, said that government’s resolve to adopt austerity measures was not surprising.
According to him about 80 per cent
of our earning is from oil and so it is not a surprise that the
government is adopting austerity measures, considering the fast decline
in oil prices.
``This is actually the beginning
of things to happen, apart from imposing tax on luxuries, they should
look at how to diversify the economy by creating the enabling
environment so that industries can thrive.
``Increasing or taxing more
utilities is not the major solution; the government should now make more
effort at diversifying the economy.
``They should make concerted efforts at ensuring that the agricultural sector and a few others are working.
``Nigerians may not worry much about the tax issues because they are expected, but tax revenue should be used wisely.
``It should not end in the pockets
of a few individuals because the country’s earnings are mostly from
oil, it means that a fall in the price of the commodity will deny the
country a lot of income to provide roads, power plants and many other
things that will benefit the ordinary Nigerian,’’ he said.
Mr Seyi Gambo, a former National
Public Relations Officer of PENGASSAN, advised the Federal Government to
tackle the issue of wastages in the economy by slashing the emoluments
of members of the National Assembly.
He also called for reduction in the expenses of running the executive arm of government.
According to him, there is no sense in keeping 10 aircraft for the president at a period when revenue is going down.
Gambo, however, expressed fears
that although the austerity measures, announced by the government, were
bound to trigger panic actions in the money and capital markets, but the
long-term measure should be to diversify the economy.
According to him, with the decline
in crude oil prices, all things being equal, should translate into
reduction in pump prices in the local market too, but this would depend
on the level of price decline.
``But the reduction in pump price is unlikely in the Nigerian scenario at this time,’’ Gambo said.
``One has to look at the dynamics
of fuel pricing at this moment to ascertain the landing cost from the
decline in oil prices at the international markets vis-à-vis the subsidy
gap paid by government.
``I think the pricing template
should be adjusted to reflect the current price reality. If that is
implemented, which I think the PPPRA would have adjusted; we may then
see a drop in the amount of subsidy paid by the government.
``So, I think the decline in crude
oil prices in the short run will be a big positive for countries that
depend largely on oil imports for their oil consumption. But for
Nigeria, the situation could be in a dilemma.
``We earn less during a price decline as a producer, which reduces our revenue base.
``On the other hand, we are better
off as an importer of refined crude oil, which reduces our import bill
and also lowers the subsidy burden for the government which should even
make it easier for the government to make case for deregulation of pump
prices.
``But the current scenario may not
be tenable because of the anticipated public outcry that may follow,
particularly as election year approaches.
``Just recently, the government of
Rwanda announced a reduction in fuel pump prices by about 4.95 per cent
mainly due to reduction in oil prices at the international market.
``Again, this is where the need to
fix our refineries or get more private investors to invest in building
more refineries in the country just like that of Dangote that is billed
to come up by 2018,’’ Gambo said.
Mr Kunle Stenvenson, the Managing
Director of Legacy Communications, said the oil glut would remain in the
market and oil prices would continue to fall.
``Since the announcement, prices
have fallen sharply. As at the time the announcement was made, the
reference price was around 76.3 dollars per barrel, few minutes after,
it fell to 74.5 dollars, and of course it is not relenting.
``You can understand what this
would mean for Nigeria because we just set our 2015 benchmark oil price
at 65 dollars. It means there will be no excess crude account if the
decline continues,” he said.
Stenvenson said that the country
might not see significant growth in production as a result of oil theft,
stressing that the contribution from the oil sector to revenue could
significantly reduce.
``Oil accounts for up to 95 per
cent of foreign earnings, but production has stagnated in the past two
years as a result of oil theft and slowdown in investment’’.
The challenge is for government to come with long-term solutions to stave off impending economic depression. (NAN)
- See more at:
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/national-news/191553-implications-of-falling-oil-prices-on-nigeria-s-economy#sthash.E1tquUGL.dpuf
