The newly appointed Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has said Nigeria can only achieve meaningful economic growth if the private sector takes the lead in driving the economy.
Speaking as she assumed office at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Uzoka-Anite stressed that about 95 per cent of the economy should be powered by private sector activities to unlock the country’s full potential.
She was received by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, alongside other senior officials of the ministry.
Uzoka-Anite noted that the success of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda depends largely on strong private sector participation. She expressed confidence that the administration’s reforms and the implementation of the National Development Plan would lay the foundation for achieving a trillion-dollar economy.
She also thanked the president for the opportunity to serve in multiple capacities, having previously worked as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and later as Minister of State for Finance before her current role.
In his remarks, Bagudu highlighted the need for effective policy coordination and strategic planning to meet the government’s ambitious economic targets. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to growing Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion by 2030, with a projected annual growth rate of seven per cent.
According to him, the upcoming National Development Plan (2026–2030) will serve as a roadmap for economic reforms, investment priorities, and national development efforts.
Bagudu explained that the ministry plays a central role in coordinating development plans, aligning fiscal and economic policies, and providing advisory support to the president, while also working with state and local governments.
He added that recent deliberations at the National Economic Council identified key priorities, including improved intergovernmental coordination, increased investment in security, sustained funding for infrastructure, and stronger action against illegal activities in the extractive sector such as oil theft and illegal mining.
The minister also noted that the government would continue to strengthen international partnerships, pointing to enhanced bilateral relations with China as a step toward boosting economic cooperation and development.
