Federal Government broke, struggling to pay salaries – Minister

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu has expressed concerns over Nigeria’s financial crisis, emphasizing that the government is struggling to meet salary obligations.

He lamented the slow economic growth, rising population, increasing unemployment, and high inflation during a speech at the 30th Annual Development Forum organized by the Live Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) in Abuja.

Represented by Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, the Director of Bilateral Economic Cooperation in the Ministry, Bagudu called on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to collaborate with the government in addressing these challenges.

He stated,

Government faces enormous challenges, especially now, with a revenue deficit and limited financial resources. The government is just managing to pay salaries, while the slow economic growth is compounded by a rapidly increasing population, surging unemployment, and high inflation.

Addressing NGOs, Bagudu urged them to support the government in improving key performance areas and providing quality support to civil and public servants.

He added,

We also look forward to seeing you do a lot of advocacy and awareness because the people need to be sufficiently utilized

Dr. Sarah Alade, a former Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), also spoke at the forum, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the federal government and non-state actors to achieve economic development and ensure the success of social investment programs.