EndBadGovernance Protests Compel Government to Address Public Concerns- Minister Bagudu

The recent #EndBadGovernance protests have forced the Nigerian federal government to take notice of the public’s growing dissatisfaction and demands, according to Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. 

Speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group’s National Economic Dialogue, Bagudu acknowledged that the government has been compelled to listen more attentively to the concerns raised by citizens during these nationwide demonstrations.

 Bagudu highlighted that the public outcry has made it clear that Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with the state of the nation and can no longer endure the hardships brought about by unfavorable government policies. 

“We have learned that even the current protests have made us listen more,” Bagudu stated.

“Whatever we are doing, we have taken the message that we need to do more, we need to do better, and we need to do it in a hurry.”

The minister admitted that despite efforts by past administrations over the last 25 years, Nigeria has not achieved the economic progress that its people desire.

He noted that the country’s population has nearly doubled since 1999, yet economic indicators, such as oil production, have not kept pace, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

Bagudu emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is now faced with the challenge of rebuilding public trust and addressing the nation’s economic woes.

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While reflecting on the constitutional framework, Bagudu suggested that a reevaluation of Chapter 2 of the Constitution, which outlines the nation’s economic and political objectives, might be necessary to guide future governance. 

He stated that the government’s commitment to Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 is a step toward creating a more inclusive economy and achieving higher per capita income.

As public trust in the government wavers, the onus is now on the administration to implement changes that will alleviate the pressures on Nigerians and restore faith in its leadership. 

The minister suggests that the government is aware of the urgency to act, but the effectiveness of its response will determine whether it can win back the confidence of the people.