FG to Pursue $1tr Economy with Vigour- Bagudu
…Doris Uzoka-Anite Resumes as Minister of State
By Patience Ikpeme
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, receiving the new Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, on her assumption of duty on Monday, has stated that the target of growing Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion by 2030 would be pursued vigorously.
The commitment to this fiscal milestone forms the centerpiece of the administration’s strategy, as the Ministry prepares to roll out the National Development Plan (2026–2030). According to an official statement signed by Mrs. Julie Osagie-Jacobs, Director of Info & PR, the government intends to reach this goal by maintaining an annual growth rate of 7 per cent.
Senator Bagudu explained that the ministry, acting as the nation’s planning authority, will focus on harmonizing fiscal policies and coordinating development initiatives across federal, state, and local levels. He noted that recent discussions within the National Economic Council pointed to the necessity of better cooperation between these tiers, particularly as state governments manage approximately 48% of public expenditure.
The Minister also identified several urgent priorities, including “increasing investment in security, securing ongoing funding for transformative infrastructure, and strengthening enforcement against illegal activities in the extractive sector, particularly crude oil theft and illegal mining.”
Dr. Uzoka-Anite, in her response, suggested that the private sector must take the lead for these objectives to be met. “I have no doubt that Mr President can achieve the one trillion dollar economy as he has started by laying the foundation for that to happen through the introduction of economic reforms and the implementation of the National Development Plan,” she said.
She further observed that for Nigeria to reach the desired level of growth, “95% of the economic development must be driven by the private sector, with the federal government contributing 5%.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Deborah Odoh, welcomed the new Minister of State, noting that her arrival coincides with a critical period for the nation’s planning and budgeting.
“We are confident that your distinguished experience in public service, finance, and economic management will further strengthen the work of the Ministry as we continue to advance the Government’s economic reform agenda and improve the quality of national planning and budgeting,” Odoh said.
