CSO commends Bagudu, says 2024 budget ensured fair allocations across regions

The Initiative for Transparent Leadership (ITL) has commended Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Planning, for his outstanding performance in promoting transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

The organisation praised Bagudu’s efforts in ensuring an equal spread of budgetary allocations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The group said this marks a significant departure from previous administrations where certain regions were favoured over others.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Executive Director Fabian Opialu said that under Senator Bagudu’s leadership, the budget follows an even spread, ensuring that all six geopolitical zones benefit from concrete projects that meet tangible realities on the ground.

This level of accountability, he said, is unprecedented and showed Bagudu’s commitment to transparency in governance.

The CSO also commended the improved allocation of resources and their prioritisation.

Opialu lamented that previous administrations struggled with ensuring that key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security received the necessary funding.

However, he noted that Senator Bagudu has worked meticulously to ensure that resources are allocated to projects based on national priorities and needs, rather than political considerations.

Opialu further said that this has led to visible improvements in several key sectors across all regions of the country.

He said Senator Bagudu’s actions have been firmly in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritises the economic integration of marginalised groups, particularly women and individuals with disabilities.

The CSO added that the minister has played a critical role in ensuring that these groups are not only included but are also empowered to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

He said: “Unlike previous administrations where budget allocations often remained theoretical, under Senator Bagudu’s leadership, there has been a strong focus on implementation and monitoring of projects.

“For the first time in many years, we are witnessing robust systems being put in place to monitor projects and their progress, ensuring that funds allocated to specific regions are utilized for the intended purposes. This level of accountability is unprecedented and highlights the commitment of Senator Bagudu to transparency in governance.

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“Furthermore, one of the most remarkable successes of the current administration is the improved allocation of resources and their prioritization. Previous administrations struggled with ensuring that key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security received the necessary funding.

“However, Senator Bagudu has worked meticulously to ensure that resources are allocated to projects based on national priorities and needs, rather than political considerations. This has led to visible improvements in several key sectors across all regions of the country.

“Another significant achievement under Senator Bagudu’s tenure is the periodic review of projects and programs to ensure conformity with the objectives laid out in the national development plan. The ability to adapt and make necessary changes to the implementation process is a sign of great foresight. Regular evaluations have allowed the Ministry to correct course when necessary, ensuring that projects remain aligned with the government’s overall goals of promoting inclusivity and sustainable growth.

“Additionally, Senator Atiku Bagudu’s actions have been firmly in support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which has inclusivity at its core. This agenda prioritizes the economic integration of marginalized groups, particularly women and individuals with disabilities.”

The CSO recommended areas for improvement, including enhancing public engagement, intensifying monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and expanding youth empowerment programs.

Opialu emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.