The Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has firmly pledged to wholeheartedly pursue the current administration’s vision of achieving double-digit economic growth. He emphasized that his leadership at the Ministry would vigorously work towards this goal to benefit the nation by fostering inclusivity and expeditious development.
Senator Bagudu identified Agriculture as one of the key focal points of the administration’s agenda, which will play a pivotal role in realizing a double-digit GDP growth rate for the country.
These remarks were made by Bagudu during a meeting with representatives from IFAD, led by its Country Director, Dede Ekoue, at his office in Abuja. He underscored the integral role of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in achieving the administration’s double-digit growth vision, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the framework for coordinated planning and budgeting functions.
Senator Bagudu also expressed appreciation to IFAD for their longstanding support in Nigeria, predating the current administration, and expressed optimism that this positive developmental partnership would endure.
The Minister noted that IFAD supported the high-level session on ’’Nigeria’s Innovative financing for food system transformation: Leveraging Best Practices from Nigeria’’ in Rome chaired by the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Kazeem Shettima, during the UNFSS +2 Stocktaking Moment in July this year.
“I must commend IFAD for also empowering poor rural people, especially women, by increasing their access to resources, infrastructure, and services, and to promote the management of land, water, and common property by local communities, thus helping to combat environmental degradation.
“I am also aware that IFAD is in partnership with Nigeria government to build capacity and strengthen institutions that provide services to rural people and assist with necessary policy changes, developing local organizations to enhance their effective participation, and promote initiatives to foster rapid poverty reduction and economic growth,” he said.
Previously, during their reception of the IFAD team, Mr. Nebeolisa Anako, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, introduced IFAD to the Minister. He highlighted IFAD as one of the United Nations Agencies specially designated by the UN Secretary-General to provide support for the implementation of the Food System Transformation Pathways overseen by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Mr. Anako underlined that IFAD had been actively assisting the Ministry in various aspects of economic growth and development since the initiation of the food systems transformation pathways.
Dede Ekoue, the Country Director of IFAD, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister and extended congratulations on his well-deserved appointment by the President. She acknowledged the Minister’s extensive network of connections, which she believed would facilitate his responsibilities at the Budget Ministry.
Ekoue reiterated IFAD’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry under Senator Bagudu’s leadership. Their focus is on implementing policies and providing support that will positively impact the lives of the majority of Nigerians. She recalled that the successful introduction of the Food System Transformation by IFAD to the Federal Government was largely due to the government’s support.
Ekoue advocated for a continued partnership between the federal government and IFAD to foster further growth and innovation. She also stressed the importance of involving farmers and all relevant stakeholders in the Ministry’s policies and programs.
“ Let me state here that there should be emphasis on nutrition and food security in line with the Action Plan that was unveiled by the Vice President at the last Food system summit .”
She characterized the government’s commitment to food systems transformation as an investment poised to deliver substantial benefits to the broader population in the foreseeable future.
In addition, Dr. Faniran, the Director of Social Development within the Ministry, disclosed that the federal government is in the process of establishing a committee responsible for overseeing the complete food systems transformation procedure. This committee’s primary objective is to ensure that the initiative fulfills its intended goals through robust engagement between the public and private sectors.