BAGUDU URGES MEDIA TO SUPPORT TINUBU’S REFORMS
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has urged the media to support the reforms of President Bola Tinubu.
Bagudu said the media should help Nigerians understand the federal budget and the choices behind it.
He spoke in Abuja at a workshop for the Senate Press Corps.
The theme of the workshop was Legislative Oversight and Media Collaboration to Safeguard the National Budget.
The minister said budget scrutiny should go beyond controversial provisions.
He said journalists should understand the constitutional process and the development needs behind budget decisions.
He asked journalists to investigate budget items before drawing conclusions.
Bagudu said Nigeria’s budget is small compared to its population and needs.
He said this makes it necessary to discuss how to mobilize more resources.
He linked the issue to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the plan to build a one trillion dollar economy.
He said Nigerians must decide whether to continue with a small budget or mobilize more funds for development.
He said revenue, expenditure and borrowing decisions need public confidence and understanding.
Bagudu said the National Assembly has final authority over the budget under the Constitution.
He urged the public to understand the role of both the Executive and Legislature in the budget process.
On alleged budget insertions, he cautioned against assuming that every unfamiliar provision is illegal.
He said some provisions may look questionable but may address real needs in local communities, such as water projects and fishing equipment.
He said vigilance is still necessary because human errors can occur.
He said media and legislative oversight must remain vigilant.
The minister also spoke on transparency and national security.
He said transparency is important, but sensitive information that affects national security should be handled with care.
He challenged the idea that capital expenditure is always better than recurrent expenditure.
He said spending on security, education, health and salaries can also drive development.
He said payment of debts is important to protect the country’s borrowing costs and support the private sector.
Bagudu urged the media to hold government accountable without losing sight of the bigger picture of national development.
He said transforming the economy will require both government action and public support.
