Bagudu: The Empowerment Giant of Kebbi

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, is the immediate past Governor of Kebbi State (2015–2023) and currently serves as Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. With a strong background in finance, banking and governance, Bagudu has built a reputation for driving transformative development both at the state and national levels.

To begin with, it’s on record that as Governor, Sen. Bagudu prioritized infrastructure by constructing over 500 km of roads, including the landmark Zuru Emirate Road. Major civic projects like the ₦949 million New Secretariat and a $1.9 million FIFA-standard mini stadium in Birnin Kebbi further demonstrated his commitment to modernizing the state’s public infrastructure.

As a matter of fact, Bagudu also attracted major private investments, particularly in agriculture, through rural electrification and tax incentives. Notably, GB Foods established a ₦20 billion tomato processing plant in the state, integrating thousands of farmers into national and global supply chains.

Similarly, under Bagudu’s leadership, Kebbi became a hub of agricultural innovation. The state’s rice production more than doubled through the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, benefiting over 70,000 farmers. Support included subsidized inputs, mechanization, and the establishment of a model Rice Academy in Dakingari. Efforts to diversify into wheat, cassava, and livestock farming created additional jobs and enhanced food security.

There is no gain saying that healthcare and human capital development were key pillars of his administration. Over 225 PHCs were built or rehabilitated, and key hospitals were modernized. To this end the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme (KECHES) was launched in 2020, ensuring low-cost, quality healthcare. Initiatives like Saving One Million Lives expanded access and improved outcomes across the state.

In furtherance to this, Sen. Bagudu empowered over 15,000 youths through vocational training in agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship. Evidently, more than ₦600 million in scholarships was disbursed, and 44 medical graduates received automatic employment. Through K-SIP, around 40,000 women and youth accessed interest-free loans and training programs to promote inclusive economic growth.

Meanwhile, the fiscal leadership of then Governor Bagudu was marked by transparency and discipline. He left ₦40 billion in state reserves, settled ₦3 billion in retiree gratuities, and allocated ₦2 billion for constituency development.

As Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Bagudu is a prominent force to renown with in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He introduced the Eyemark platform to promote data-driven budgeting and reduced the national deficit-to-GDP ratio significantly.

In just two years, Senator Bagudu has led major anti-poverty initiatives, including the $750 million National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy and the expansion of NG-CARES to support seven million households. The ₦6.2 trillion supplementary budget in 2024, which he coordinated, targeted infrastructure, wages, and credit access, reinforcing his commitment to inclusive economic planning.

In the final analysis, Senator Bagudu’s legacy is one of empowerment and integrated development; connecting communities, supporting livelihoods, and ensuring institutional progress. His journey from state governance to national leadership reflects a consistent vision of inclusive growth and public trust anchored in data, fiscal responsibility, and citizen-centered policies.

Magaji, Public Relations Consultant in Birnin Kebbi wrote via mjmagaji@gmail.com

Jamilu M. Magaji, mnipr
Public Relations Consultant and
MD/CEO, Bytes Integrated Media Concept
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
(08038398925)