NASS, executive close ranks to align budget with devt goals

By Christiana Ekpa

The National Assembly and the Executive arm of government have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to bridge gaps between Nigeria’s budget process, implementation, and national development objectives.
This position was made known on Wednesday in Abuja during the second day of a two-day National Policy Dialogue themed “The Imperatives of National Development Plan and Effective Budgeting System for Sustainable Growth of the Nigerian Economy.”
The event was organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs in partnership with key government institutions, including the Office of the Vice President, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Ministry of Finance.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, commended the National Assembly for its support in driving recent economic reforms, describing the decisions taken by the administration as bold and necessary.
According to him, national planning is not optional but a constitutional obligation binding on all tiers and arms of government.
“Section 13 of the Constitution mandates all authorities—legislative, executive, and judicial—to work together in pursuit of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state,” he said, stressing that effective planning and budgeting must align with these provisions to achieve sustainable growth.
Bagudu added that Nigeria’s constitutional framework outlines key economic, social, and environmental objectives that require coordinated action across all levels of government.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, Gboyega Isiaka, said addressing challenges in budgeting and development planning requires collective responsibility among stakeholders.