The newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), Dr. Deborah Bako Odoh, has promised to bring diligence, transparency and professionalism for the coordination of the Ministry’s budgeting processes and the implementation of National Development Plans.

Dr. Odoh takes over from Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources sometime in May 2025 before his latest posting to the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the ministry on Thursday Dr. Odoh stated that the mandate of the Ministry is central to the Federal Government’s aspiration for economic stability, inclusive growth and sustainable national development, while noting that budgeting and economic planning are not mere administrative or planning processes but instruments through which government’s intentions are translated into measurable outcomes that improve the lives of Nigerian citizens.

She acknowledged the head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Watson-Jack, for her unwavering commitment to building an epic civil service that is efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred. According to her, “I pledge to work closely with her office and to ensure that the values and reforms underpinning the EPIC agenda are reflected in the work, the systems and results of the Ministry”.

She commended the efforts of the Director, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, who had been overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary for the past six months, as his dedication and commitment to duty ensured continuity in the Ministry’s operations. Dr. Odoh also appreciated the dedication and professionalism of the staff of the Ministry, as their expertise, institutional memory and commitment to national development have been the backbone of the Ministry, over the years.

She promised to work closely with the Minister, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the management staff to strengthen institutional capacity, promote evidence-based planning, and ensure greater alignment between policy, planning, and budgeting.

Odoh expressed hope that, with the support of the management staff, the Ministry will achieve significant progress.
Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, who is also the Director International Cooperation, in his welcome remarks, gave a brief overview of the achievements of the Ministry during his acting capacity and assured the PS of the unalloyed support of management and Staff of the Ministry to ensure she has a successful tenure.

Until her recent posting, she served as the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategy Office (SPSO). She was appointed a Permanent Secretary by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 23, 2023.