Budget Minister Bagudu Calls for Media Support on Reforms

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, called on the media to enhance its engagement with Nigeria’s budget process during a speech at the Senate Press Corps Capacity-Building Workshop. He emphasized the importance of promoting informed public discourse, accountability, and understanding of the Federal Government’s development agenda.

Bagudu stated that effective scrutiny of the national budget should involve understanding the constitutional process and the rationale behind budgetary choices. He linked this discussion to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the long-term development framework under Agenda 2050.

Bagudu posed critical questions regarding resource mobilization and public investment necessary for achieving a $1 trillion economy. He highlighted the National Assembly's constitutional role in the budget process and urged the media to provide evidence-based reporting.

He cautioned against assuming irregularities in budget provisions without thorough investigation into their origins and purposes.