The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, offered both an apology and a staunch defense of the Bola Tinubu-led administration’s policies during the ministerial sectoral update in Abuja, on Thursday.
Bagudu acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Nigerians due to the reforms embarked upon by the administration but maintained that these policies were necessary for economic growth.
Despite the currency crisis and inflation rates hitting 33.69 percent of April, Bagudu expressed confidence that the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” was on track to spur economic growth and prosperity.
He emphasized the importance of restoring macroeconomic stability to attract investment and address underinvestment in critical sectors such as security, education, and social welfare.
Bagudu portrayed the economic pains accompanying the reforms as necessary steps towards achieving long-term economic stability.
He defended the removal of the fuel subsidy and highlighted the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, job creation, and social intervention programs aimed at poverty alleviation and empowerment.
In a separate address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, outlined the administration’s achievements and challenges during its first year in office.
Akume highlighted key policy initiatives such as the dismantling of monopolistic control over electricity, the removal of fuel subsidy, and investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
He acknowledged the challenges faced but reiterated the administration’s commitment to implementing its “Renewed Hope Agenda” for economic revitalization, social inclusion, and infrastructural progress.