Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has praised the bold economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that while the reforms come with short-term pains, they are steering Nigeria toward long-term economic stability and growth.
Bagudu, who spoke Saturday night after a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, emphasized that Nigeria is beginning to see the early fruits of long-overdue structural adjustments. He noted that decisive policy actions—such as the removal of fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity subsidies—have unlocked financial resources previously unavailable to government institutions.
“Decades of under-investment brought Nigeria to a point where even paying salaries became difficult. By cutting these subsidies, we freed up resources. Today, states and local governments have nearly tripled the funds they previously had. That’s transformative,” the minister said.
According to Bagudu, the increased revenue is being strategically directed to key sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, consumer credit, digital innovation, and human capital development.
“These are not abstract promises. Real budget allocations are now being made for security, education, and economic empowerment,” he added.
Bagudu also highlighted renewed investor confidence, both locally and internationally, pointing to a visible return of private capital as a sign that Tinubu’s administration is being taken seriously on the global economic stage.
“When someone starts by filling the hole under a house, you might think they’ve done nothing because the walls aren’t yet visible. But President Tinubu has been honest. He acknowledged that we were in a hole—not to blame the past—but because crucial decisions were deferred for too long.”
Reflecting on the political realignment occurring in the country, Bagudu cited the recent defection of opposition politicians, including governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a sign of growing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.
“They’ve stated publicly why they joined: because of the sincerity and direction of this leadership. That’s not politics; that’s belief in a future being built with courage and vision,” he said.
Also speaking to journalists in Lagos, a member of the newly inaugurated North West Development Commission (NWDC), Mallam Aminu Suleiman, echoed the minister’s sentiments, describing President Tinubu’s two years in office as more impactful than the previous administration’s entire eight-year tenure.
“Given the full privilege of a four-year term, I am confident President Tinubu will transform Nigeria,” Suleiman said, following a Sallah homage visit to the President.
Suleiman particularly applauded the establishment of the NWDC, saying it reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive national development.
“We are the largest population zone in the north, nearly 19 million people strong. Including us in the national development agenda is a vital and welcome step,” he said.
Pointing to Tinubu’s record in Lagos, Suleiman expressed confidence that similar infrastructure and governance reforms could be replicated across the country.
“He has done it in Lagos. God willing, he will do it for the entire country,” he added, urging Nigerians to exercise patience and trust in the President’s vision.
“As we celebrate Sallah and mark the second anniversary of this administration, let us believe in the solid foundation being laid. With time, we will all see the results,” Suleiman concluded.
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