The legislative and executive arms of government on Wednesday resolved to work together to close gaps in the budget process, implementation, and national development planning, with a view to strengthening coordination and accelerating Nigeria’s development.

They gave this indication on the second day of a two-day National Policy Dialogue organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, with the theme: “The Imperatives of National Development Plan for an Effective Budgeting System and Sustainable Growth of the Nigerian Economy.”

While the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, presented the executive’s position, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Gboyega Isiaka, and his Senate counterpart, Senator Musa Mustapha, spoke for the legislature.

Bagudu, a former senator representing Kebbi Central, said the reforms undertaken by the current administration would not have been possible without the support of the National Assembly.

“Let me appreciate the support that the committees and the National Assembly as a whole have given to the reforms carried out in the last three years. By every stretch of the imagination, they are bold, courageous, and difficult choices. As those whose daily functions involve engaging constituents, explaining and defending these policies, one must appreciate their role,” he said.

He, however, stressed that national planning is a constitutional responsibility of all public office holders and must not be treated lightly if meaningful development is to be achieved.

“National planning in Nigeria is mandated by the Constitution. A whole chapter—Chapter Two—covers the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.

“Section 13 clearly mandates all authorities and persons to conform to these principles. This means the executive, legislature, and judiciary must work together.

“The Constitution also binds the President, Vice President, members of the National Assembly, governors, and state assembly members through the oath of office they take,” he said.

Isiaka said it is the collective responsibility of the executive, legislature, and other stakeholders to address gaps and challenges in budgeting and national planning.

He noted that the 10th National Assembly is ready to collaborate effectively with the executive arm.

“Therefore, the committees follow the same pattern. The Senate and House Committees on Economic Planning have been engaging with the ministry, and we acknowledge the commendable coordination efforts.

“However, we need to deepen collaboration beyond oversight and routine sessions.

“We are aware that the 2026–2030 plan is being developed from the 30-year perspective plan, and significant work lies ahead. We also recognise the federal government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

“We have engaged various MDAs and are aware of concerns around the envelope system, as well as ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms,” he added.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Musa Mustapha, stressed the need to align national development plans with the budgeting system to drive sustainable growth.

“Our National Development Plan requires meticulous, aligned, and disciplined budgetary support to achieve its objectives. However, the persistent disconnect between ambitious plans and actual annual budget allocations has hindered growth.

“Our developmental aspirations cannot be achieved through disjointed fiscal actions. The budget must not be treated merely as an expense document, but as the primary engine for implementing our development agenda.

“An efficient budget is the cornerstone of national progress. It ensures prudent resource allocation, prioritises development initiatives, and stimulates economic activity.

“Too often, planning and budgeting have operated in isolation, resulting in inefficiencies and projects that do not fully benefit Nigerians.

“We are determined to change this. The goal is to build a performance-driven system where public resources are used efficiently for sustainable development.

“Our planning is now guided by a clear roadmap towards a $1 trillion economy by 2030, anchored on grassroots empowerment programmes such as the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme and targeted support for MSMEs,” Mustapha said. (LEADERSHIP)