ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, voiced concerns about the financial limitations facing Nigeria in addressing the growing challenges associated with its increasing population.
During an event held in Abuja on 20 October, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, the ministry’s Director of International Cooperation, represented Bagudu’s sentiments. He called on non-governmental organizations to collaborate with the government to address critical areas.
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Bagudu highlighted the fast-paced growth of Nigeria’s population, surging unemployment rates, and high inflation as major challenges. He emphasized the government’s financial constraints, noting that it is currently managing to cover essential expenditures, primarily salaries, due to a revenue deficit.
He said the economic growth rate remains sluggish, posing additional challenges in the face of the rapidly expanding population and increasing unemployment rates.
The minister said; “Government faces enormous challenges especially now; the government is facing a revenue deficit. There is no money anywhere in the country; the government is just managing to pay salaries.
“The growth rate is very slow and the population growth is fast pacing and increasing. Unemployment is surging in the midst of high inflation.”