Government Targets Real Impact on Lives in 2026
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has declared that the ultimate success of its economic policies rests on the tangible improvement of the lives of citizens across the country, asserting that the administration’s mission remains unfinished until every Nigerian feels the impact of governance.
Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, made this known during the Top Management Meeting of the Ministry held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in the nation’s capital.
Addressing the leadership of the ministry, Bagudu noted that the government’s efforts are directed toward a clear destination: a One Trillion Dollar Economy that fosters shared prosperity.
“Our work is not complete until we make a real difference in our people’s lives,” the Minister stated, pointing to the specific mandates under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the ministry serves as the custodian of a national responsibility that determines the future of the federation.
Reviewing the journey of the administration over the past two and a half years, Bagudu credited the President with taking “bold, courageous, and innovative measures” to transform the economic landscape.
He noted that these actions, supported by institutional realignments, have led to visible gains in security, infrastructure, and macroeconomic stability, while also contributing to a downward trend in inflation.
Despite these milestones, the Minister maintained that the government is not resting on its oars. He described the role of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning as influential, noting that the quality of its analysis and policy recommendations directly shapes how Nigeria allocates resources and measures its progress.
“The 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,” Bagudu said. He added that for 2026, the objective is to transition “decisively from intention to action.”
A significant portion of the government’s strategy for the coming year involves an integrated approach to development that reaches the grassroots. The Minister argued that national development is only meaningful when it is felt at the ward level, where the daily realities of citizens are most visible. This strategy includes empowering states to grow their economies sustainably and ensuring local governments are equipped to deliver essential services.
Bagudu detailed what he termed the “irreducible minimum” for the nation’s progress, which includes a commitment to national unity, constitutional governance, and evidence-based planning. He insisted that these foundations are non-negotiable standards by which all government advice must be measured.
“When economic growth creates jobs, expands access to basic services and opportunities, and enhances citizens’ dignity, we can say our work is successful,” Bagudu remarked. He further noted that the success of the ministry in the coming year will depend on the professional excellence, integrity, and collaborative spirit of its workforce.
As the government looks toward the 2026 fiscal year, the Minister called for a departure from working in silos, urging officials to adopt long-term perspectives that align with national priorities. He expressed gratitude to the National Assembly, the Economic Management Team, and various development partners for their support in refining the government’s developmental strategies.
The Minister concluded by tasking the ministry’s leadership to meet the nation’s expectations with discipline and foresight, stating that the collective goal is to “shape an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and prosperous—one that serves today’s citizens and secures the future for generations to come.”
