Bagudu Highlights Need for National Consensus

Bagudu Highlights Need for National Consensus

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s conversation on Rethinking Reform in Abuja yesterday offered the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, an opportunity to restate the core mandate of his ministry, which he said, was to help the nation forge a national consensus on critical issues affecting the federation.

This, he explained, is a historical attempt by the country to generate an essential set of agreements, which are now reflected in our development plans. The main objectives, reflected in Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution as altered, dealing with the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policies, are to achieve inclusiveness, an economy that works for all, and ensure political and social justice.

Senator Bagudu noted that the national consensus is embedded in numerous planning documents, including the Agenda 2050 developed with contributions from private sector players, civil society organizations, and the sub-nationals.

He, however, expressed concern about the gap in awareness and integration of Agenda 2050 in the training programs of many policy institutions across the country and emphasized the need to get organization right in public sector reform to achieve national goals.

Senator Bagudu praised the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation for its efforts at advocating public sector reform, and for helping to build trust in national institutions.

He also acknowledged the contributions of various speakers, including Mr Bismarck Rewani and Bishop Matthew Kukah, saying they underscored the importance of promoting and discussing the federal government’s role in ensuring the understanding and implementation of national objectives.

Asking, “Where do we want to be by 2050? Where do we want to be in the next two and a half years, by 2025? ” Senator Bagudu stressed the critical need for a coordinated effort to achieve our national goals.

He called for more effective collaboration among government agencies to marshal the country’s brilliant and competent public service towards delivering trust in the national consensus.