The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has underscored Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening national data systems and improving development outcomes, while addressing participants at the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC) meeting, held in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking to government officials, development partners, and civil society stakeholders, Minister Bagudu expressed gratitude for the consistent support of development partners, noting that Nigeria’s reform journey over the past two years was sustained not only through funding but also through shared experiences and solidarity. “The reforms we’ve undertaken, difficult as they were, came at a time when trust in democratic governance was weakening in parts of the world. What made a difference for Nigeria was having partners who stood by us and understood the importance of staying the course,” he stated.
He emphasized that effective development cooperation must reflect Nigeria’s federal structure, explaining that the country is governed at the federal, state, and local levels within a market economy. The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, he noted, also serves as the secretariat overseeing subnational performance, which is critical to national progress. Bagudu called for donor programs to better align with this decentralized framework.
Highlighting that development is not solely about financial transfers, the Minister stressed the importance of mutual learning, citizen engagement, and public trust. “Civil society organizations are not just stakeholders; they are partners. Their advocacy helps build trust with the public and the international community. That trust cannot be imposed. It must be earned through transparency, openness, and delivery,” he said.
Minister Bagudu also stressed the need for high-quality, reliable national data in sectors such as education, health, and social protection, noting that accurate data is essential for credible development planning. “We welcome questions, scrutiny, and collaboration. We want to be held accountable. That’s why we are investing in systems that ensure transparency from planning to implementation,” he added.
Drawing on examples across Nigeria, the Minister praised the ingenuity and resilience of Nigerians, from fishing communities in the Niger Delta to market women in the North, emphasizing the government’s role in equipping citizens with the tools to succeed.
In conclusion, Senator Bagudu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with development partners in ways that reflect local realities, promote inclusive governance, and deliver measurable results. “Our ambition is not abstract. We’re serious about results. We’re working to align our goals with the support we receive and are open to learning from what works, not just here, but across the world,” he said.
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