Tinubu taking tough decisions to secure Nigeria’s long-term growth — Bagudu

By Kunle Sanni –

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to taking difficult but necessary decisions to reposition Nigeria for long-term growth and economic stability.

Bagudu made the remarks on Monday while delivering his welcome address at the second edition of the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to the minister, President Tinubu’s leadership over the last two and a half years has been marked by bold economic choices aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s constitutional federalism, stabilising public finances and laying the foundation for inclusive national development.

He said the president is more concerned with making the right decisions for the country rather than choosing the most politically convenient options.

Bagudu noted that Tinubu’s emphasis on dialogue and cooperative governance has strengthened the role of the NEC as a key constitutional advisory body that represents all federating units and promotes consensus-building across the federation.

He commended the president for his active participation in the council’s activities, revealing that Tinubu has attended at least four NEC meetings in the past two years, a move he said underscores the administration’s respect for federalism and shared decision-making.

The minister stated that the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration have led to improved fiscal conditions for states and local governments, even as the Federal Government continues to shoulder a larger share of the adjustment burden.

He added that the president has consistently stressed that true federalism must begin at the grassroots, urging governments to harness the economic potential of wards and local communities by supporting value creation at the lowest levels of governance.