Bagudu: Our Work Is Not Complete Until We Make A Real Difference In Our People’s Lives

Bagudu: Our Work Is Not Complete Until We Make A Real Difference In Our People’s Lives

Today, we gather not only as change agents of this highly strategic Ministry, but also as custodians of a national responsibility that shapes the present and determines the future: we bear a responsibility that extends beyond our individual offices and departments.

Our mandate is clear and strategic: to advise, coordinate, and determine for the Government of the Federation matters related to national development and the overall management of the economy. This aligns with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Priority 1 & 8 of the Renewed Hope Agenda. This mandate places us at the centre of Nigeria’s journey towards a One Trillion Dollar Economy.

I congratulate Mr President on the remarkable achievements of the past two and a half years. Bold, courageous, and innovative measures have been implemented, alongside institutional realignments, all in line with Mr President’s clear sense of purpose that these measures are essential to transform our economy. The results include improvements in security, infrastructure, and macroeconomic stability, as well as a reduction in inflation.

The Ministry is proud to be part of the Economic Management Team trusted by the President with this responsibility and these achievements. We recognise that success does not mean we cannot aim higher. We thank the National Assembly, other members of the National Economic Management Team, primarily the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, as well as those who supported us: Development Partners, Foundations, NGOs, Institutions, and Citizens we engaged—all of whom helped us improve our work.

In fulfilling this responsibility, we must remain guided by what I call our irreducible minimum-the non-negotiable foundations on which national development must rest. These include the nation’s unity and indivisibility, fidelity to constitutional governance, evidence-based planning, fiscal responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive growth. These form the baseline below which we must never fall, and the standard by which our advice to government must always be measured.

Our role is not merely advisory; it is influential. The quality of our analysis, the soundness of our recommendations, and the clarity of our policies all shape how the nation plans, allocates resources, and measures progress. Government decisions on growth, investment, infrastructure, human capital, social development, and economic stability depend significantly on our work here.

As we look towards 2026, our focus must be clear and purposeful. The coming year demands sharper priorities, increased coordination, and a renewed emphasis on delivering meaningful results. We must position this Ministry as a forward-thinking institution—one that promotes cohesive planning, anticipates future challenges, and turns national aspirations into tangible impact. In 2026, our task is straightforward but significant: to decisively move from intention to action and shape a future of shared prosperity for our nation.

As we pursue national development in the coming year, we are adopting a genuinely inclusive and integrated approach. Development should not be viewed solely at the national level. It must be reflected across states, local governments, and down to the ward level, where policies meet people and where citizens’ daily realities are most visible. National development is only meaningful when:

· States are empowered to grow their economies sustainably.

· Local governments are empowered to deliver essential services; and

· Ward-level communities benefit from effective planning, investment, and governance.

Our ultimate goal is therefore twofold:

· to foster development that bolsters the nation’s economy; and

· to enhance the quality of life for the Nigerian people.

When economic growth creates jobs, expands access to basic services and opportunities, and enhances citizens’ dignity, we can say our work is successful. When our efforts lead to tangible development that improves the lives of our people, even at the Ward level, then we can genuinely say we have done well. That is how nations prosper, and that is how they flourish.

To realise this vision, we must operate as one institution with shared values and high standards. Titles alone will not produce results. What makes the difference is the qualities we demonstrate in our daily work. I want to emphasise three key attributes that each of us must adopt and present in 2026 to fulfil our mandate effectively.

· Professional Excellence and Integrity

Our advice must be evidence-based, objective, and credible. We must uphold the highest ethical standards, knowing that trust is the foundation of our influence.

· Collaboration and Strategic Thinking

Development challenges are intricate and interconnected. Silos undermine results. We must collaborate across departments, adopt a long-term perspective, and align our efforts with national priorities.

· Commitment to Impact and Service

Beyond reports and policies, we must stay focused on real results that make a difference. A genuine commitment to public service should guide all our actions.

The work we do is supported by Partners who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to strengthening and enhancing the impact of our coordination efforts. As we collaborate with them, let us ensure we embody the values mentioned earlier and conduct our work in the best interests of our nation, upholding the highest integrity.

Distinguished colleagues, the nation expects excellent leadership, clarity, and foresight from us in 2026. Let us meet that expectation with unity of purpose, discipline in execution, and an unwavering focus on national progress. Together, we can help shape an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and prosperous-one that serves today’s citizens and secures the future for generations to come.

God bless the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, delivered this speech at the Top Management Meeting of the Ministry held on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, in Abuja.