Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has said that the economic reforms of the Federal Government are contributing to improved political stability and stronger inter‑governmental cooperation across Nigeria’s three tiers of government.
The minister spoke in Abuja on January 28, 2026, during a meeting with officials of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
Bagudu noted that the reforms, implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have helped to bridge gaps between the executive and legislative arms of government and fostered a cooperative relationship among the federal, state and local governments.
“The reforms have improved cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government. The National Assembly has been very supportive of the President’s bold economic initiatives,” he said.
The minister said Nigeria has remained committed to bold macroeconomic reforms despite regional political challenges, adding that enhanced policy consensus has contributed to stabilising the exchange rate, boosting investor confidence and reducing uncertainties typically associated with pre‑election periods.
Bagudu outlined elements of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan, a bottom‑up strategy designed to map the economic potential of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards and align local‑level priorities with national development goals.
He described the initiative as a key tool for driving inclusive and decentralised growth, with a focus on sectors such as agriculture, local manufacturing and value chain development to create jobs and enhance food security at the household level.
The AFD mission, led by Country Director Jacky Amprou, is conducting a review of Nigeria’s structural reforms to inform future financing decisions. Amprou said the mission aims to better understand the government’s reform roadmap and to align future development support with Nigeria’s priorities.
Dr. Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasised that international development support should integrate with the upcoming 2026–2030 National Development Plan to maximise impact and sustain momentum from ongoing reforms.
Analysts say greater political cohesion can influence confidence in the reform agenda, potentially attracting foreign direct investment and deepening private‑sector engagement. They note that stable inter‑governmental collaboration is a key factor in enabling policy implementation and enhancing governance efficiency.
Bagudu reaffirmed the government’s intent to pursue its long‑term goal of building a one‑trillion‑dollar economy within five years, underscoring the centrality of economic reforms to national development objectives.
The minister acknowledged short‑term challenges associated with reforms but maintained that such measures are essential for long‑term fiscal stability, inclusive growth and strengthened institutional coordination across Nigeria’s federal system.
