#EndBadGovernance Protests Made Us Listen More to Nigerians’ Demands — Bagudu

In a candid admission, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, acknowledged that the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests compelled the federal government to pay closer attention to the demands of Nigerian citizens. The protests, which highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of governance, have reportedly prompted a more urgent and responsive approach from the government.

Speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group’s National Economic Dialogue on Nigeria’s Economic Future, Senator Bagudu emphasized that despite the challenges inherited from previous administrations, President Bola Tinubu has chosen to focus on solutions rather than blame.

“The current protests have made us listen more closely to the voices of Nigerians,” Bagudu stated. “We’ve understood the message that we need to act faster and more effectively to address the country’s pressing issues.”

He further noted that while President Tinubu has refrained from dwelling on past administrations’ failures, the government is fully aware that the country has not yet reached its desired economic and social milestones. “Despite various efforts over the past 25 years, including successes in sectors like telecommunications, we are still far from where we need to be,” Bagudu admitted.

The minister highlighted the significant growth in Nigeria’s population, which has nearly doubled since 1999, contrasted with the stagnation in critical sectors like oil production. He attributed this to years of underinvestment and emphasized the need for substantial reforms and investments moving forward.

Bagudu also called for a reevaluation of Nigeria’s constitutional framework, particularly the provisions in Chapter 2 concerning the country’s political and economic objectives. He suggested that the current constitution, while providing a foundation, may require amendments to better align with the nation’s aspirations, as outlined in the Agenda 2050.

Looking ahead, Bagudu underscored the importance of cooperation across all levels of government to achieve these goals. “We are not where we want to be, but we are ready to confront these challenges head-on,” he affirmed, pointing to President Tinubu’s track record as evidence of the administration’s capability and commitment to driving change at the national level.

The dialogue ended with a renewed call for collective action and a reminder that while the road ahead may be challenging, the government remains committed to improving the lives of all Nigerians through decisive and inclusive governance.