back to top

Democracy Day speech: Buhari’s GDP growth rate contradicts figures from CBN, IMF, others

DELIVERING the customary annual speech on the occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration on Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari said the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by 2.7 per cent in 2019. This projection has, however, been found to conflict with various other sources.

“We now have witnessed eight quarters of positive growth in the economy and our GDP is expected to grow by 2.7 percent this year,” Buhari said.

While it is true that Nigeria has witnessed positive economic growth for eight quarters, since it exited recession in the second quarter of 2017, The ICIR could not find a single authority backing the  claim that GDP will grow in the same measure as quoted by the president.

AfDB, CBN, others disagree

The African Development Bank (AfDB) in its Nigeria Economic Outlook states that the country’s real GDP is projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2019 and 2.4 per cent in 2020 “as implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan gains pace”.

Also, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook reports released in January and April stated that Nigeria’s economic growth rate is 2.1 per cent in 2019, and will be 2.5 per cent in 2020.

Its downward revision of the figure, the IMF explained, is as a result of the global “softening of oil prices”.

Former minister of budget and national planning, Udo Udoma, however disagreed with the international organisation’s forecast, insisting that the economy is expected to grow by 3.01 per cent this year.

Udoma’s figure was echoed in April by Ben Akabueze, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation.

Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) likewise said the bank has made a forecast that the economy will pick up and grow by three per cent as recovery from the recent recession is becoming more self-sustaining.




     

     

    Read Also:

    Infographic by Damilola OJETUNDE

    Conclusion

    The president’s claim is inaccurate and cannot be substantiated relying on projection by experts. Meanwhile, two other claims made by the president were found to be correct.

    He said: “According to United Nations estimates, our population will rise to 411 million by 2050, making us the third most populous nation on earth behind only China and India.” This is supported by the United Nations’ World Population Prospects of 2017.

    He also said: “The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index which is the gauge of manufacturing activity in the country has also risen for 26 consecutive months since March 2017 indicating continuous growth and expansion in our manufacturing sector.”

    Again, this claim is supported by the CBN’s monthly Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Reports. Though the index points occasionally reduce compared to preceding months, the CBN explains that “a composite PMI above 50 points indicates that the manufacturing/non-manufacturing economy is generally expanding”.

    'Kunle works with The ICIR as an investigative reporter and fact-checker. You can shoot him an email via [email protected] or, if you're feeling particularly generous, follow him on Twitter @KunleBajo.

    Join the ICIR WhatsApp channel for in-depth reports on the economy, politics and governance, and investigative reports.

    Support the ICIR

    We invite you to support us to continue the work we do.

    Your support will strengthen journalism in Nigeria and help sustain our democracy.

    If you or someone you know has a lead, tip or personal experience about this report, our WhatsApp line is open and confidential for a conversation

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here


    Support the ICIR

    We need your support to produce excellent journalism at all times.

    -Advertisement-

    Recent

    - Advertisement