PRESS RELEASE FG Urges KOICA, FAO to Align Agricultural Intervention with Nigeria’s Development Priorities, Ward-Based Strategy The Federal Government has called for stronger alignment between development partners’ interventions and Nigeria’s national development priorities to ensure greater impact, sustainability, and measurable outcomes, as the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) prepare to implement a new multi-bilateral agricultural project in Nigeria. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by KOICA officials to brief the Ministry on the KOICA-FAO 2026 Multi-Bilateral Project, which aims to promote resilient agricultural systems and create green jobs for youth in Nigeria and other participating African countries. While appreciating the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the Korean government through KOICA, Senator Bagudu stressed the importance of designing development programmes that are focused, measurable, and capable of delivering scalable results. He noted that Nigeria’s relationship with Korea offers valuable lessons, given Korea’s remarkable transformation from an agricultural economy to a major global economic player. “Beyond the support we receive, there is much Nigeria can learn from Korea’s experience, particularly in agriculture, food production, value addition, and export development,” the minister said. Senator Bagudu, who explained that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is responsible for coordinating national development planning and partnerships, emphasised that development partners’ interventions must align with Nigeria’s development framework, including the country’s long-term vision under Agenda 2050. He noted that Nigeria’s federal structure, with responsibilities shared among federal, state, and local governments, makes coordination essential to achieving sustainable development outcomes. The minister encouraged KOICA and FAO to adopt a more targeted approach, focusing interventions on specific communities where results can be measured and replicated. According to him, spreading projects too widely without sufficient depth may limit their effectiveness, whereas focused interventions can produce successful models that attract further investment and expansion. “We need programmes that can produce concepts that work, can be scaled, and can attract the private sector,” he said. Senator Bagudu emphasised the importance of aligning agricultural interventions with the economic realities and priorities of beneficiary communities. He cited Nasarawa State as an example, noting that women rice farmers and processors who have struggled to compete with large-scale milling operations could benefit from improved technology, skills development, and stronger market access. He also highlighted opportunities in Bayelsa State, particularly in aquaculture, where targeted support could unlock significant economic potential and promote sustainable production. The minister stressed that empowering farmers requires more than production support; they must also be equipped with knowledge of market demands, value addition, and globally competitive agricultural practices. He noted that Nigeria has significant opportunities in commodities such as sesame, cocoa, fisheries, and other high-value agricultural products, and added that the country’s farmers should be supported in accessing international markets. “Sometimes, what is needed is to teach people what the world requires — to help them move from traditional production to producing what the market values,” Senator Bagudu said. He further urged KOICA and FAO to integrate their intervention with existing government programmes, including the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to coordinate development activities across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards. The minister explained that a ward-based approach would help prevent project duplication, improve stakeholder coordination, and ensure that interventions address the specific needs of communities. Earlier, the Senior Deputy Country Director of KOICA, Mr Baik Ki-Hyun, disclosed that the project had been approved by KOICA’s headquarters and would run from 2026 to 2030. He explained that the initiative followed extensive consultations, surveys, and assessments carried out with FAO, external experts, and relevant Nigerian authorities. According to him, FAO will serve as the implementing partner, while KOICA will oversee project management, monitoring, evaluation, and assessment of the programme’s outcomes. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Deborah Odoh, welcomed the KOICA delegation and expressed appreciation for Korea’s continued partnership with Nigeria, noting that the intervention would contribute to economic growth, improved livelihoods, and sustainable agricultural development. The KOICA-FAO project is expected to strengthen agricultural resilience, create employment opportunities for young Nigerians, support inclusive growth, and deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Korea to achieve shared development objectives.

PRESS RELEASE Nigeria, Denmark Strengthen Partnership on Trade, Investment and Sustainable Development The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has expressed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its bilateral partnership with Denmark, describing the relationship between the two countries as strategic and mutually beneficial. Senator Bagudu made this statement during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja, when he received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Nigeria, His Excellency Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and his delegation. The minister, who welcomed the ambassador alongside the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and directors, ministerial aides, and management staff of the ministry, noted that Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with Denmark and is committed to expanding cooperation in critical areas of mutual interest. According to him, Nigeria’s policy has always been anchored in building strong bilateral partnerships, especially with countries that share a commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and shared prosperity. “We are quite honoured by this engagement, and the short answer is yes, we want more. We are happy to have more open discussions and to expand our relationship,” Senator Bagudu said. He acknowledged Denmark’s contributions to global development, noting that the country has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting economic growth and sustainable development initiatives. The minister emphasised the importance of stronger cooperation among nations with shared values, particularly amid emerging global challenges, including rising protectionism, trade tensions, and other economic uncertainties. He said Nigeria is willing to collaborate with Denmark to promote trade, strengthen peace and security initiatives, share knowledge and resources, and jointly address common challenges, including irregular migration. Senator Bagudu identified agriculture, livestock development, the digital economy, the blue economy, and the judicial sector as key areas for further strengthening cooperation between both countries. Speaking about the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, the minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on addressing decades of underinvestment in critical sectors and on creating an enabling environment for private-sector participation. He explained that Nigeria is working towards creating a transparent and competitive investment climate in which investors can confidently deploy capital, create value, and achieve sustainable returns. “Correcting decades of underinvestment across almost all sectors can only be achieved by learning from countries that have successfully solved similar challenges, especially those with strong and vibrant private sectors,” he said. The minister noted that despite the challenges of implementing reforms, the country is seeing increased investor confidence, particularly in infrastructure development. He revealed that Nigeria has attracted about $7 billion in infrastructure investment over the past two years, describing this as a significant improvement compared with previous levels. Senator Bagudu further stated that Nigeria’s reform efforts are gaining international recognition, adding that improved economic confidence is reflected in market indicators, investor interest, and increased capital flows. He emphasised that the administration remains committed to reforms to strengthen economic stability, enhance productivity, and position Nigeria for sustainable growth. Welcoming the ambassador and his delegation, the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, reiterated Nigeria's commitment to expanding the longstanding bilateral relationship to mutual economic benefit. Earlier, Ambassador Jens Ole Bach Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, describing the relationship between the two countries as built on shared values, mutual respect, and common priorities. The ambassador commended the minister for his role in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed appreciation for his attendance at Denmark’s National Day Reception. He said that Denmark and Nigeria share common interests in areas such as democracy, respect for international law, stability, development, and stronger representation of African countries in global institutions. Ambassador Hansen disclosed that Denmark is expanding its diplomatic presence in Nigeria by establishing a larger embassy and deploying additional diplomatic personnel, including officers focused on politics, defence, agriculture, and other strategic areas. He explained that the expansion reflects Denmark’s growing commitment to Nigeria and the wider West African region. The ambassador also highlighted Denmark’s growing commercial engagement with Nigeria, noting the presence of major Danish companies and the recent establishment of the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) office in Lagos to support sustainable private-sector investments. He identified agriculture, maritime development and security, and the digital economy as key areas of existing cooperation between the two countries. According to him, Denmark is also exploring further collaboration with Nigeria across education, culture, the creative economy, and the judicial sector. Ambassador Hansen noted that Denmark sees positive signs in Nigeria’s economic trajectory and believes that ongoing reforms are creating opportunities for stronger investment partnerships. He proposed discussions to formalise a broader political partnership framework between Nigeria and Denmark, noting that such an arrangement would provide a structured platform to advance cooperation across sectors. The ambassador recalled Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark's visit to Nigeria and the discussions held with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on strengthening bilateral relations, expressing hope that both countries would continue to build on the existing foundation. The visit concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation and advance shared economic and development objectives.

PRESS RELEASE Tinubu committed to inclusive, innovative development, says Bagudu Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator 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. “Mr 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 on Tuesday in Abuja. Speaking to the lecture’s theme, which he said 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 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 acknowledging the scale of the ambition, the minister emphasised that achieving such growth would require deliberate planning, strategic collaboration, and the active participation of 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. “Planning is not just about land or infrastructure; it is about people and how they live together,” he emphasised. He further linked these priorities to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to unify Nigerians around a shared vision for national progress. He urged a shift away from dwelling on past shortcomings towards pragmatic, forward-thinking solutions. “Rather than spend all our energy debating the past, we must focus on what unites us and drives collective action for the future,” he stated. The minister also emphasised the importance of intergovernmental collaboration, noting that effective planning requires seamless coordination among federal, state, and local governments. “Development is a shared responsibility. Federal, state, and local governments must collaborate to ensure planning is inclusive and effective,” he said. He further emphasised the urgency of adopting modern approaches to address population growth and technological change. “As our population grows and technology reshapes our world, we must plan more intelligently and proactively to meet emerging demands,” he added. Concluding his remarks, the minister reiterated that Nigeria’s ability to achieve sustainable economic growth, reduce conflicts, and build a stable society will largely depend on how effectively it manages its physical and economic spaces. “If we get our planning right—by being inclusive, sustainable, and innovative—we will create opportunities for all Nigerians and build a more prosperous and united nation,” he said.

Farmers’ group proposes collaboration with FG on ward development programme. President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s grassroots economic emancipation initiative, the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, has received support from a farmers' group, the Crop, Aquaculture, Livestock Farmers and Value Chain Economic Actors Association of Nigeria. During a meeting with the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, in Abuja on Wednesday, the group offered to collaborate with the federal government to accelerate the programme's implementation. Unveiled last year by the president, the programme aims to reset development planning by boosting economic activities at the ward level through collaboration among the federal, state, and local governments. Welcoming the delegation, led by Mr Aliyu Adulraheem, the minister emphasised the importance of dialogue between government institutions and organised stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s development agenda. He noted that the ministry remains willing to collaborate with professional associations, civil society organisations, and private-sector actors to carry out its mandate more effectively. According to the minister, the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme is a significant effort to overhaul Nigeria’s development framework by promoting stronger cooperation among the federal, state, and local governments, while also involving citizens and development partners in a “whole-of-society” approach to national progress. He explained that Nigeria’s constitutional framework assigns development responsibilities to the three tiers of government, but in practice, these roles have not always been well coordinated, often resulting in duplication, inefficiencies, and interruptions in development initiatives. “The Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme aims to address this by concentrating development planning at the ward level, which is the lowest administrative unit in Nigeria’s governance structure,” the minister said. He stated that Nigeria has 8,809 wards, each with unique economic prospects that can be accessed through targeted interventions. “Our belief is that every ward in Nigeria is an acre of diamonds waiting to be uncovered. Each community has its own strengths and potential, and development strategies must reflect these distinctive qualities," he said. The minister explained that the programme aims to enable communities to identify their own development opportunities rather than relying solely on a top-down approach. Under the initiative, wards will determine their priority economic opportunities, after which the federal government, state governments, local authorities, and development partners will work together to provide the necessary support. He emphasised the importance of human capital as the main resource of any community, stressing that development planning must start with an understanding of the people and skills present within each locality. In reference to President Bola Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy, the minister stated that decentralised development initiatives, such as the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, would play a key role in unlocking economic opportunities across the country. The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Deborah Odoh, praised CALFAN for its dedication to bolstering Nigeria’s agricultural sector and recognised the vital role of partnerships in fostering inclusive economic growth. She noted that agriculture remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation, playing a major role in food security, employment generation, rural development, and economic diversification. “The Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme aims to unlock economic opportunities at the grassroots level by supporting community-driven initiatives that can boost productivity and prosperity within each ward across the federation,” she said. She added that working with organised groups like CALFAN could help improve programme delivery and strengthen engagement with farmers, co-operatives, producers, and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. In response, CALFAN’s National President, Abdulraheem, outlined the association’s proposal to serve as a field-level implementation partner for the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme. He highlighted CALFAN’s extensive grassroots structure, including Ward-Level Extension Service Offices (WESOs) and a digital platform that supports real-time beneficiary identification, community mobilisation, data collection, and monitoring of development activities. The presentation states that the proposed platform will facilitate economic mapping of rural communities, infrastructure assessments, digital surveys, and real-time data collection to support evidence-based policy decisions and programme monitoring. CALFAN highlighted its inclusive approach that encompasses the entire agricultural value chain, including farmers, input suppliers, processors, transporters, traders, and service providers. The meeting offered an opportunity for dialogue on how CALFAN’s grassroots infrastructure and digital platforms could support the Federal Government’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and grassroots development. It concluded with appreciation for CALFAN’s presentation and a commitment to ongoing engagement and collaboration to advance the goals of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme and Nigeria’s broader economic development agenda.

FG, Doctors Without Borders deepen partnership · Focus on sustaining humanitarian efforts The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning today hosted a high-level meeting with the leadership of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Nigeria to discuss the renewal of the Federal Cooperation Agreement and to bolster collaboration for uninterrupted humanitarian operations across the country. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts while recognising the key challenges impacting service delivery across several states. He listed the challenges as includinglimited infrastructure in many LGAs, weak laboratory capacity due to electricity and equipment gaps, and insufficient or poorly maintained ambulance and emergency services. Others are uneven health-system performance across wards and regions, persistent disparities in development indicators, especially in northern states, community perceptions affecting acceptance and participation in programmes, and the need for better allocation and management of public resources. He emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to improving coordination, accountability, and long-term development planning. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems, expand economic opportunities, support agriculture, and promote sustainable local structures that reduce reliance on external aid. Speaking on behalf of MSF, Country Director Dr Pitchou Kayembe expressed sincere gratitude for the collaboration with the Government of Nigeria and reiterated MSF’s commitment to maintaining life-saving humanitarian services. He highlighted MSF’s longstanding involvement in Nigeria and underscored: • Ongoing support and encouragement for field teams working in challenging conditions. • Active participation with government stakeholders on operational matters • Ongoing project supervision, site inspections, and verification • Collaboration with ministries on policy coordination and service provision • Dedication to correct procedures, fair process, and programme enhancement He acknowledged the difficulties faced but reaffirmed MSF’s commitment to maintain high-quality medical and humanitarian aid. Dr Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed her appreciation for MSF’s contributions, recalling her own past experience working closely with the organisation. She praised MSF’s commitment to reaching remote northern communities and reaffirmed the Ministry’s promise to fully back the ongoing humanitarian efforts. The meeting ended with a shared understanding of the urgency of renewing the cooperation agreement to prevent any interruption in essential humanitarian services benefiting communities across Nigeria. Both parties pledged to collaborate to enhance health outcomes, increase programme transparency, and strengthen partnerships. Medicine San Frontiere (MSF), also known as “Doctors Without Borders”, is a globally renowned, international, non-profit humanitarian organisation. MSF-Spain, a vital part of the MSF movement, which provides impartial medical assistance to populations affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, and healthcare exclusion, without discrimination, has been operating in Nigeria since 1996, demonstrating a long-standing partnership with the Federal Government. The organisation currently implements healthcare projects in 11 states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno, Ebonyi, and Cross River. Its focused operations include supporting General Hospitals in Shinkafi and Zurmi (Zamfara) and maintaining a mobile emergency response team.