Non-critical and administrative capital spending including the purchase of vehicles have been banned by the Federal Government as part of its plan to cut down cost of governance.

This was contained in a document titled “What you need to know about the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan”.

The special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina listed eight key interventions contained in the sustainability report.

He also disclosed that the NESP is seeking to expand the social investment programmes (SIPs).

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The document which was designed to support the economy in the face of the disruptions and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic was developed by the Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and set up by President Muhammadu Buhari earlier in March.

Making further clarification on the ban, Adesina said ambulances, fire-fighting vehicles and other essentials were exempted from the ban on the purchase of vehicles.

Adesina said;

“The president has approved the implementation of the Report on the Rationalization of government agencies. The NESP will also target a reduction in average production costs of crude oil. Also, the Integrated Personnel and Payment Information System (IPPIS) will be expanded to cover all Federal Government MDAs.

“Non-critical and administrative capital spending will be eliminated, including purchase of vehicles (except for ambulances, fire-fighting vehicles and other essentials).

“The implementation of the NESP will see an increase in the number of cash transfer beneficiaries, N-Power volunteers and sundry traders enjoying small and micro loans through the MarketMoni and TraderMoni schemes.

“The pre-existing conditional cash transfer will also be extended to cover a larger number of extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

“It also provides for the negotiation of suspension of ISPO payments by States, moratorium on deductions in respect of bailout loans, and encourages States to attain the conditions outlined by SIFTAS and other World Bank programmes, in order to access external support.

“The ESC will also monitor implementation of the Plan while the Vice President will regularly brief the President on progress made.”