Adeduntan, Adedipe Predict Economic Growth in 2024, Emphasise Increased Spending on Capital Projects

The Group Managing Director of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan has predicted a robust economic outlook for Nigeria in 2024 noting that the increase in capital expenditure outlined in the 2024 budget will enhance economic activities throughout the year

Also, the Chief Consultant, B. Adedipe Associates Limited, Dr ‘Biodun Adedipe, has projected that Nigeria’s economy will likely grow by 3.74 per cent in 2024.

They revealed this over the weekend at FirstBank of Nigeria’s 2024 Outlook session with the theme; “Current Realities and Prospects.”

Speaking on the 2024 economic direction in his opening remarks, Adeduntan said: “The year has started on a very strong footing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signing the 2024 appropriations bill into law with a record proposed spending of N28.7 trillion which is the highest in the history of the country in nominal terms.

“More exciting is the fact that about N9.9 trillion specifically is budgeted for capital expenditure. So, by implication, there will be significant spending that is planned that will allow desperate enough stimulus within the economy that allows significant and serious players to be able to tap into the goals and aspirations of the government.

“The budget assumes a growth expectation of about 3.76 per cent even though what is being projected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is slightly lower at about 3.3 per cent, which is slightly lower than the sub-Saharan African average of about 4.2 per cent. Given the size of our economy, whether you’re looking at 3 per cent or 3.7 per cent growth, the growth is significant and serious players do have the opportunity to tap into this and that is the focus of this morning’s edition.”

On his part, Adedipe, said his firm’s projection on Nigeria’s growth prospect is more optimistic than domestic and international entities.

He said: “What I see more is an economy that will likely grow at about 3.74 per cent. The World Bank indicated 3.3 per cent. But, we in BA Consult see 3.74 per cent.

“International Monetary Fund probably will come later and revive their own, also in their outlook, and of course, different other entities.

But, everybody is projecting this economy to grow at above three per cent this year,’’ he said.

Further on prospective economic trends in Nigeria for 2024, with a specific focus on interest rates, exchange rates, and gross domestic product (GDP) growth, he stressed the likelihood of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) adopting an orthodox monetary policy approach.