Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s “bold reforms” over the past two years, asserting that these efforts are gradually positioning Nigeria’s economy for sustainable recovery and growth despite present difficulties.Similarly, Aminu Suleiman, a member of the newly formed North West Development Commission (NWDC), appealed for patience from Nigerians, noting that Tinubu’s two years in office have yielded more tangible progress than the entire eight-year tenure of the previous administration.Both officials made these remarks on Saturday night after visiting President Tinubu at his Lagos residence. Bagudu highlighted that Nigeria is beginning to see the positive effects of long-delayed economic reforms.
He stated, “We’re not yet where we want to be, but these steps are moving the economy in the right direction.”Bagudu emphasized the importance of the administration’s decision to end costly subsidies on fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity, describing it as pivotal.“Decades of underinvestment led Nigeria to a point where even paying salaries was difficult. By removing these subsidies, we freed up resources. Today, states and local governments have almost tripled their funds compared to before—that’s transformative,” he explained.
He added that the increased funds are being directed into critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, consumer credit, digital innovation, and human capital development.
These are real allocations, not just promises. We see tangible investments in security, education, and economic empowerment,” he said.
Bagudu also noted that these reforms are already restoring investor confidence in Nigeria.“One of the main differences between developed and developing nations is investment—both public and private.
We’re now correcting years of neglect, which is a Herculean task, and that is the core of these reforms
. There’s a noticeable return of both domestic and international private capital. Investors are taking Nigeria seriously because they see a government willing to make tough but necessary choices.”He explained that President Tinubu’s honesty about Nigeria’s challenges—comparing the initial situation to “filling a hole under a house”—has been vital.
He acknowledged from the start that we inherited problems, not caused by him, but worsened by delayed critical decisions. His transparency has been instrumental in progress,” Bagudu remarked.Regarding the recent influx of opposition politicians, including governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom states into the APC, Bagudu said this reflects confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.
They have publicly expressed that they joined because they believe in the sincerity and direction of his leadership. It’s not mere politics; it’s a belief in a future built with courage and vision,” he stated.As Nigeria marks Eid and the second anniversary of Tinubu’s presidency, Bagudu affirmed that “the reforms are working, and investments are increasing despite the country’s challenges.”After paying a Sallah homage to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, Suleiman praised Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that his two years in office have been more impactful than the previous government’s eight years.“Given the opportunity of a full four-year term, I am confident he will transform Nigeria,” Suleiman said.He also lauded the inclusion of the North West region in Tinubu’s development agenda through the establishment of the NWDC, noting that the region is the largest in the North with nearly 19 million people.
It’s a good development for us, and I believe, Insha Allah, we will ensure everything proceeds well,” he added.Suleiman emphasized that Tinubu’s proven track record in Lagos—particularly in infrastructure, governance, and institutional reform—gives reason to believe similar transformation can happen nationwide.
He urged Nigerians to trust the leadership and be patient, assuring that “the solid foundation being laid will, with time, yield the results we all desire.
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