As Nigeria marks two years under President Bola Tinubu's administration, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has declared that the country's economy is back on track despite ongoing challenges.

Speaking on Saturday night after a courtesy call on President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, Bagudu acknowledged that while Nigeria hasn't reached its desired economic position, the administration's policies have steered the economy in the right direction.

"We're not where we want to be," Bagudu admitted, "but these steps have turned the economy in the right direction."

Subsidy Removal Yielding Results

The minister highlighted that the administration's decision to end subsidies on fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity has been pivotal in freeing up resources for development.

"Decades of underinvestment brought Nigeria to a point where even paying salaries was difficult," he explained. "By cutting these subsidies, we freed up resources. Today, subnational governments, states and local governments, have nearly tripled the funds they had before. That's transformative."

According to Bagudu, these newly available funds are being channeled into critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, consumer credit, digital innovation, and human capital development.

Renewed Investor Confidence

The Budget Minister noted that the economic reforms are already inspiring a resurgence of investor confidence in Nigeria.

"One of the greatest differentiators between developed and developing countries is the level of investment, both public and private. We are now correcting years of neglect. That is a Herculean task and that is central to reforms," he said.

"There is a visible return of private capital, both domestic and international. Investors are taking Nigeria seriously again. They see a government that's making tough but necessary choices."

North West Development Commission Member Calls for Patience

Meanwhile, a member of the newly inaugurated North West Development Commission (NWDC), Mallam Aminu Suleiman, has called on Nigerians to exercise patience with President Tinubu's administration.

Speaking to journalists after paying a Sallah homage to the President, Suleiman made the bold claim that Tinubu's two years in office have been more impactful than the previous administration's eight-year tenure.

"Tinubu's two years is even better than the past government's eight years," Suleiman stated. "Given the full privilege of a four-year term, I am confident he will transform Nigeria."

He also praised the inclusion of the North West in Tinubu's development agenda through the establishment of the NWDC, noting that the region represents the largest population zone in the North with nearly 19 million people.

"Let us be patient. The foundation being laid is solid. With time, we will all see the results," Suleiman urged.

Bagudu also noted that the growing number of opposition politicians joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), including governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, reflects faith in Tinubu's leadership and vision for the country.

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