Minister Encourages Hope in the Face of Economic Reforms: Tinubu’s Policies Yielding Results
By: Emmanuel Ibitoye
At a National Policy Summit organized by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (P-BAT) Academics and Professionals, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, urged Nigerians to maintain hope, asserting that President Tinubu’s policies to transform the country are already showing positive results.
Addressing the summit themed “Activating the Policies and Promises in the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Bagudu highlighted the president’s unwavering commitment to driving transformation within the available resources. He acknowledged the challenges posed by inconvenient measures but emphasized the need for collective efforts to propel the country forward.
The minister praised P-BAT academicians for their collaborative approach, encouraging citizens not only to lament challenges but to contribute their expertise and draw the government’s attention to opportunities for improvement. Bagudu underscored the significance of taking ownership of the government and holding public officials accountable through constructive engagement.
Speaking on Nigeria’s budget, Bagudu noted historical limitations, emphasizing that the country has operated on a relatively small budget compared to other nations with similar populations. He referenced a study by the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation and Development, emphasizing the need for fundamental rethinking and contextualizing solutions beyond political considerations.
Bagudu expressed optimism in President Tinubu’s leadership, citing his successful transformation of Lagos through inclusive governance. He urged citizens to provide support for Tinubu’s economic agenda, which aims to elevate the nation’s GDP from less than 500 billion to a trillion Naira within three years.
The minister acknowledged the necessity of bold decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, to pave the way for a more prosperous future. He urged stakeholders to appreciate the long-term benefits of policies and emphasized continuous investment in agriculture as a key solution to current challenges.
Bagudu also highlighted ongoing reforms and the President’s commitment to addressing unemployment by collaborating with state governments to create opportunities for the youth. He called for support from all quarters to ensure the success of these initiatives.
Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economic Affairs in the Vice President’s office, reaffirmed the implementation of Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. Fasua provided insights into the renewed hope housing estate initiative and assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to achieving double-digit economic growth.
Prof. Yemi Oke, National Coordinator and Convener of P-BAT Academics and Professionals, shared the group’s mission to engage in constructive governance participation rather than mere criticism. The group aims to offer practical suggestions and solutions to support policy implementations, emphasizing the importance of citizens owning the process.
Mary Ikoku, the media spokesperson for P-BAT, highlighted that the group comprises professionals and academics actively involved in policy development. These policies will be presented to the government for implementation, contributing to the transformation of Nigeria.
