Tinubu Making Right Choices, Not Convenient Ones — Bagudu

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on Monday, said President Bola Tinubu was focused on making the right decisions for Nigeria, even when they are not the most convenient ones, as part of efforts to reposition the country for long-term growth and stability.

Bagudu spoke in his welcome address at the Second Edition of the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, President Tinubu’s leadership over the past two and a half years has been defined by difficult but necessary economic choices aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s constitutional federalism, stabilising public finances and laying the foundation for inclusive national development.

“It is clear that you want to be remembered as someone who led us to make the right choices, not necessarily the most convenient ones,” Bagudu said.

The minister noted that Tinubu’s commitment to dialogue and cooperative governance has elevated the role of the NEC as a vital constitutional advisory body that gives voice to all federating units and helps build consensus across the federation.

He commended the President for personally engaging with the NEC, recalling that Tinubu has attended at least four council meetings in the past two years — a gesture he said demonstrates respect for federalism and shared decision-making.

Bagudu said the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration have significantly improved the fiscal condition of states and local governments, even as the Federal Government continues to bear the larger share of the reform burden.

He added that the President has consistently emphasised that true federalism begins at the grassroots, urging governments to recognise the economic potential of wards and local communities and support value generation at the level closest to the people.

The minister also pointed to growing international recognition of Nigeria’s economic reforms, saying they are now being referenced globally.

He disclosed that a visiting delegation of the World Bank, led by its Managing Director for Operations, recently described Nigeria’s reforms as a global reference point.

Bagudu further revealed that an International Monetary Fund report covering the same period listed Nigeria among the ten leading countries contributing most to global economic growth.

However, he stressed that beyond international commendation, domestic support for the reforms remains critical.

He said members of the NEC, who represent the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, have been involved in shaping most of the reform measures and that a majority of them, regardless of political party affiliation, believe the President is pursuing policies Nigeria needs.

“Most governors fully support the Government. In fact, some have said they can’t justify being in another party,” he said.

Bagudu said while progress has been recorded, the focus must now shift to sustaining momentum, ensuring growth benefits all Nigerians, equipping citizens with relevant skills and planning for the future.

He outlined key national questions confronting policymakers, including how to eradicate poverty, mobilise the three tiers of government, and achieve a minimum $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The minister also praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the NEC, for sustaining monthly meetings and preserving the council as a platform where all members can freely contribute to policy discussions.

He commended state governors for their cooperation in advancing federal government policies on fiscal and monetary coordination, security, infrastructure, grassroots development and domestic production, noting that several governors are leading or serving on committees addressing national challenges such as oil theft and revenue mobilisation.

Bagudu also acknowledged the work of the NEC Secretariat, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, for supporting the council’s operations.

He concluded by welcoming participants to the conference and expressing confidence that continued cooperation between the federal, state and local governments would help Nigeria make the right choices needed to secure a more prosperous future.