The federal government has said its economic reforms will not be considered successful until they produce measurable improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
To this end, it went on to insist that national development must translate into real gains for citizens across all levels of governance.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, made the declaration in Abuja during the Ministry’s Top Management Meeting held on Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bagudu stated that the administration remains driven by a commitment to people-centred governance. “Our work is not complete until we make a real difference in our people’s lives,” he said.
The minister told senior officials of the Ministry that they carry a responsibility that goes beyond internal administration and technical roles.
According to him, “we gather not only as change agents of this highly strategic Ministry, but also as custodians of a national responsibility that shapes the present and determines the future. We bear a responsibility that extends beyond our individual offices and departments.”
He explained that the mandate of the Ministry is central to Nigeria’s long-term economic direction, noting that its work aligns with Priority 1 and Priority 8 of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our mandate is clear and strategic: to advise, coordinate, and determine for the Government of the Federation matters related to national development and the overall management of the economy,” Bagudu said. “This mandate places us at the centre of Nigeria’s journey towards a One Trillion Dollar Economy.”
Bagudu commended President Tinubu for what he described as bold and innovative policy steps undertaken in the last two and a half years.
He said the administration had introduced “bold, courageous, and innovative measures… alongside institutional realignments,” which he noted were undertaken with a clear sense of national purpose.
According to him, “the results include improvements in security, infrastructure, and macroeconomic stability, as well as a reduction in inflation.”
He added that the Ministry remains proud to serve on the Economic Management Team entrusted with steering reforms.
“We recognise that success does not mean we cannot aim higher,” he said, while also appreciating the National Assembly, key members of the Economic Management Team, development partners, foundations, non-governmental organisations, institutions and citizens who engaged with the Ministry and supported its work.
Bagudu said the Ministry’s advisory role carries significant influence on national decision-making.
“The quality of our analysis, the soundness of our recommendations, and the clarity of our policies all shape how the nation plans, allocates resources, and measures progress,” he stated.
He added that major government decisions on growth, investment, infrastructure, human capital, social development and economic stability depend heavily on the work done within the Ministry.
Looking ahead to 2026, the minister said the coming year will require sharper strategic focus and improved coordination across government.
“The coming year demands sharper priorities, increased coordination, and a renewed emphasis on delivering meaningful results,” he said. “In 2026, our task is straightforward but significant: to decisively move from intention to action and shape a future of shared prosperity for our nation.”
Bagudu stressed that national development must no longer be viewed only from a federal perspective, but must be reflected at sub-national and community levels where citizens experience the impact of policy.
He explained that development will only be meaningful when states are empowered to grow their economies sustainably, when local governments can deliver essential services, and when ward-level communities benefit from effective planning, investment and governance.
“Our ultimate goal is therefore twofold: to foster development that bolsters the nation’s economy and to enhance the quality of life for the Nigerian people,” he said.
He added that the administration measures success by the extent to which growth creates jobs, expands access to services and improves citizens’ dignity.
“When our efforts lead to tangible development that improves the lives of our people, even at the ward level, then we can genuinely say we have done well,” he said.
He urged top government officials to operate as a united institution driven by shared values rather than titles, and called for commitment to professionalism, integrity, collaboration and public service.
According to him, “Our advice must be evidence-based, objective, and credible. We must uphold the highest ethical standards, knowing that trust is the foundation of our influence.”
The minister added that development challenges require collective thinking, noting that “silos undermine results,” and urged officers to focus on collaboration, long-term planning and alignment with national priorities.
Beyond policy design, Bagudu said government officials must ensure that their work delivers real-world outcomes.
“Beyond reports and policies, we must stay focused on real results that make a difference. A genuine commitment to public service should guide all our actions,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of the Ministry’s partners who, he said, continue to support government in strengthening coordination and development planning efforts.
He urged officers to uphold integrity and national interest in all engagements.
Bagudu concluded by calling on senior management officers to provide firm leadership as the country enters a critical year for economic consolidation.
“The nation expects excellent leadership, clarity, and foresight from us in 2026,” he said.
“Together, we can help shape an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and prosperous — one that serves today’s citizens and secures the future for generations to come.”
