The Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has highlighted the pivotal role that the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) plays in shaping Nigeria’s national polity.
Emphasizing its significance as a platform for fostering dialogue, promoting cooperation, and driving progress across political divides, the Minister underscored the importance of the Council in advancing the country’s development agenda.
The Minister stated this during a courtesy visit by members of the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) to his office in Abuja. He highlighted the importance of embracing diverse opinions to achieve inclusive growth and prosperity for all citizens. “The least emphasized role of IPAC is to hear different opinions, utilize them, and make progress,” the Minister stated. “It is a clear message that we must remind ourselves that we all have one purpose: to deliver inclusive growth that works for all.”
In his address, Senator Bagudu emphasized the critical function of IPAC as a mechanism for facilitating collaboration among political parties at various levels. “IPAC provides a forum where different political parties can relate and interrogate what is being done or what can be done,” “This minimum cooperation is essential for achieving progress and is a cornerstone of our national polity.”
Stating the challenges facing Nigeria’s federal structure, he highlighted the Ministry’s role in coordinating decentralized sectors to ensure synergy in national planning efforts. “Our mandate includes advising on how state and local government plans can work together to maximize their collective impact,” the Minister explained.
He also commended IPAC for its commitment to supporting government programs irrespective of party affiliations. “The leadership of IPAC has played a key role in fostering cooperation among political parties to advance our nation,” the Minister acknowledged.
Bagudu reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to working collaboratively with IPAC and all stakeholders to advance the nation’s development agenda. “Together, we will continue to strive towards a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria”.
In response, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of IPAC, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s efforts in managing differences among political parties. Dantalle emphasized the need to strengthen political parties through budgetary allocations, particularly in key sectors such as education, agriculture, and health.
” We appeal to the Ministry to allocate resources to address the pressing needs of the Nigerian people, thereby reducing social vices and enhancing overall welfare,” Dantalle stated.
“We also seek intermittent interrogation of the budget through political parties to provide valuable criticism and advice to the government.”
OLUDE OMOLADE ,
FOR: DIRECTOR INFORMATION (BEP),