Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, on Tuesday declared that President Bola Tinubu has strengthened Nigeria’s federal structure through bold economic reforms that have improved the fiscal position of states and local governments.
Bagudu made the remarks at the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja, where he said the administration’s policy decisions have not only increased revenue allocations to subnational governments but also deepened cooperation across all tiers of government.
“President Tinubu has strengthened our federalism,” the minister said, adding that the reforms have enabled states to access more funds to deliver critical infrastructure and social services to their people.
‘A More United Federation’
According to Bagudu, Tinubu’s active support for the NEC — which comprises the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory — reflects his commitment to cooperative federalism.
He noted that the president’s bipartisan approach to governance has reduced friction between the federal and state governments.
“In the NEC, governors have been given opportunities to contribute to most of the reform measures, and commendably, most of them — regardless of party — believe the president is pursuing what our country needs and fully support the federal government,” Bagudu said.
He added that some governors had privately acknowledged strong alignment with the administration’s direction.
States’ Finances Improving
Highlighting the impact of the reforms, Bagudu said the fiscal condition of states and local governments has significantly improved, stressing that the federal government bore the initial burden of implementing the difficult but necessary policy changes.
He argued that Tinubu’s reform agenda reflects a belief that true federalism lies in empowering the lowest levels of government, which are closest to the people.
As part of this approach, Bagudu pointed to the president’s approval of the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Programme, designed to identify and stimulate economic activities across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.
Global Recognition
The minister also cited growing international recognition of Nigeria’s economic reforms.
“Just last week, a visiting World Bank delegation led by the Managing Director, Operations, told the world that Nigeria’s reforms have become a global benchmark,” he said.
He further referenced a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report listing Nigeria among the 10 leading countries contributing most to global economic growth within the review period.
Bagudu said the endorsements add to positive assessments from other international organisations and private sector stakeholders.
NEC Conference Focus
The NEC Conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” was chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima in his capacity as Chairman of the council.
The event marked only the second NEC conference held in the past decade and focused on strategies to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable national development.
