Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu‘s commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven national development, emphasising that this commitment is essential to achieving his administration’s ambitious vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

“The President believes that development must include everyone, be sustainable over time, and embrace innovation, because what worked yesterday may not work today,” he told participants at the inaugural Annual Advocacy Lecture of the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy yesterday in Abuja.

Speaking to the lecture’s theme, which, he said, is closely aligned with the Federal Government‘s current priorities, he stated that Nigeria is finalising its 2026 National Development Plan, a critical component of the administration’s vision to transform the nation into a $1 trillion economy within the next five years.

“Nigeria is not where we want it to be, but we are determined to move forward with clear choices and a shared vision to unite all Nigerians towards achieving a $1 trillion economy,” the minister stated.

While the ambition is ambitious, the minister said achieving this growth will require careful planning, strong collaboration, and active participation from intellectuals, professionals, and stakeholders across all sectors of society.

“This goal cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires deep thought, collaboration, and contributions from all sectors of our society,” he added.

He stressed that national development extends beyond economic policy, encompassing coordinated planning across physical, environmental, social, and financial domains.

According to him, the success of Nigeria’s development agenda rests on three pillars: inclusiveness, sustainability, and innovation.

“Development must include everyone, it must be sustainable over time, and it must embrace innovation, because what worked yesterday may not work today,” he noted. Highlighting the critical role of physical planning, the minister described it as a key driver of economic progress and national stability.

He observed that many persistent conflicts across the country, particularly those over land use among farmers, herders, and communities, often result from inadequate or poorly implemented planning systems.

“Many of the conflicts we face today stem from how we use land and space. Poor planning breeds tension, while good planning fosters peace and prosperity,” he said.

Drawing on practical examples, the minister illustrated how poorly managed urban and rural spaces can become flashpoints for conflict, reinforcing the need for proactive, structured, and inclusive planning approaches.