ABUJA — Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for implementing bold economic reforms over the past two years. He asserted that these measures, though initially painful, are steadily steering Nigeria’s economy toward recovery and sustainable growth.
Bagudu made these remarks on Saturday night after he visited President Tinubu at his Lagos residence. He credited the administration’s removal of fuel, electricity, and foreign exchange subsidies as critical steps that freed up national resources and boosted state and local government revenues.
“By ending costly subsidies, we have significantly increased funds available to subnational governments almost tripling their previous allocations,” Bagudu explained. “These funds are now flowing into vital sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, education, digital innovation, and human capital development.”
He emphasized that the government has moved beyond promises and is making real investments in areas such as security, education, and economic empowerment.
Bagudu noted that investor confidence, both domestic and international, has started to return. “Private capital is flowing back because investors now see a government willing to make difficult but necessary decisions,” he said. “We are correcting years of underinvestment. That’s not easy, but it’s essential.”
Bagudu compared the administration’s groundwork to filling a hole before building a house. “People might not see the walls yet, but the foundation is critical. President Tinubu made it clear we were starting from a deep hole—not to blame the past, but because we avoided tough choices for too long.”
Bagudu also pointed to recent defections from opposition parties to the APC as proof of growing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership. “Governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom have joined the APC because they trust the direction we’re heading. That reflects their belief in a future being built with courage and clarity,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to celebrate Eid and the Tinubu administration’s second anniversary with optimism, stressing that reforms are yielding results despite challenges.
Also speaking to journalists after paying Sallah homage to the President in Ikoyi, Lagos, North West Development Commission (NWDC) member Mallam Aminu Suleiman applauded Tinubu’s performance. He declared Tinubu’s two-year tenure more impactful than the previous administration’s eight years.
“Tinubu has achieved more in two years than the last government did in eight. If given the full four-year term, I believe he will transform Nigeria,” Suleiman said.
He welcomed the creation of the NWDC and praised the inclusion of the North West, home to nearly 19 million people, in the administration’s development plans.
Suleiman also cited Tinubu’s successful legacy in Lagos—particularly in infrastructure and institution-building—as proof that he can deliver similar transformation across Nigeria. “He transformed Lagos, and I believe he will do the same for the nation,” he affirmed.
He urged Nigerians to trust the President’s vision. “Let’s remain patient. The foundation is solid, and in time, we will all witness the results.”
