The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has assured Nigerians that the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu will translate into improved living conditions and prosperity for ordinary citizens, particularly hardworking Nigerians and vulnerable groups.
Bagudu, who chairs the APC 2027 Manifesto Unveiling Committee, said although the administration had recorded progress in implementing its economic policies, more needed to be done to ensure Nigerians feel the benefits of the reforms.
He stated this at the unveiling of the APC’s 2027 manifesto, tagged ‘From Reforms to Prosperity’, in Abuja on Tuesday, noting that Tinubu remained conscious of the economic difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians and was determined to ensure they benefited from his administration’s policies.
The Minister stated, “All of us, the ministers, alongside the Vice President, have reason to be proud of the last Nigerian Economic Summit. This is because the private sector unanimously acknowledged that Mr President had delivered on the promises he made. They are doing well, announcing investments in Nigeria commensurate with what he promised and what he has delivered.
“But, as we all know, even before anybody tells him, Mr President acknowledges that we have done well. However, until we deliver and ensure that every Nigerian feels the impact of prosperity, especially hardworking Nigerians and those who need support, we still have work to do.”
Bagudu recounted how Tinubu, during his campaign in Zamfara State, directed a State House official to give money to a struggling carrot seller whose sales had been poor, describing the gesture as evidence of the President’s concern for ordinary Nigerians.
He said Tinubu remained committed to ensuring that his policies improved citizens’ livelihoods, adding that the APC communications team and other officials had worked hard to develop the party’s 2027 manifesto.
The Minister added, “But the APC manifesto for our President does not end with a team. The manifesto belongs to all Nigerians who are members of his team and believe in the profundity of his message.
“What you are going to see certainly includes some elements that you have already seen, as well as a broader vision. For Mr President, if Brazil can become a $2tn economy, why can’t Nigeria?
“So, Mr President, without being influenced by any outsider, said we should confront our reality and address these challenges. As I have said, he was not concerned about the next election but about prosperity.
“Indeed, we are seeing the benefits of having a leader who has a profound understanding of what Nigeria can become and is courageous enough to lead us towards that reality.”
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning said Nigeria was recording sustained economic growth, with inflation declining and the exchange rate showing signs of improvement despite prevailing economic challenges.
Bagudu stated, “But Mr President has been humble enough to acknowledge that, in addition to all the initiatives we have introduced to extend prosperity to various sectors of the economy, his team must do more.
“I just want to assure you that all of us, particularly those of us working for Mr President, are proud believers in his strategies. We believe in them, not against our wishes. We own them, and that is something other parties do not have.”
Upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy and, weeks later, introduced the unification of the naira exchange rate.
The two major economic reforms had far-reaching effects on Nigerians’ livelihoods.
The policies generated mixed reactions, with some Nigerians questioning their necessity, while others argued that they would lay a solid foundation for the country’s long-term economic development.
Ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election, opposition leaders have criticised the reforms, blaming them for the country’s economic difficulties, while the Presidency maintains that the policies are yielding the desired results.
