Health
CRS @26: Bagudu Seeks Stronger Partnerships To Close Nigeria’s Development Gap
By Folasade Akpan
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, says Nigeria falls behind countries with similar populations in economic output, underscoring the need for stronger development partnerships.
Bagudu stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2026vCatholic Relief Services (CRS) Nigeria Impact Showcase, organised to commemorate 26 years of the organisation’s operations in Nigeria.
He said although the Federal Government had embarked on bold economic reforms to reposition the country, partnerships with humanitarian and development organisations remained critical to ensuring that vulnerable populations were not left behind.
According to him, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and government revenue remain significantly below those of countries with similar population sizes, limiting investments in critical sectors.
“As of 2023, and even now, Nigeria is not where we want it to be. Compared to countries in the same population bracket, such as Brazil, we are far behind, with a much smaller GDP and government revenue.
“Consequently, education, health, humanitarian support and empowerment programmes are constrained by the level of resources available,” he said.
Bagudu said the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration were necessary to place the economy on a sustainable path, although they had imposed greater burdens on some segments of the population.
He said global events, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle East conflict and international tariff disputes, had further worsened inflationary pressures by driving up the cost of energy, fertiliser and transportation.
“We are still not where we want to be in reaching those who need support the most. That is why we need organisations like CRS and other development partners to complement government efforts.
“It takes a whole-of-society approach to achieve peace, harmony and inclusive development. Government alone cannot do it all,” he said.
Earlier, the Country Representative of CRS Nigeria, Akim Kikonda, said the organisation’s impact over the last 26 years should not be measured solely by the number of beneficiaries but by the lasting transformation in their lives.
Kikonda said CRS had worked with governments, faith-based organisations, community groups and civil society organisations to address health, agriculture, food security, humanitarian response, livelihoods and peacebuilding challenges across Nigeria.
“Impact is not about the numbers. It is about the change we have brought into people’s lives and whether that change remains long after we have left.
“An NGO cannot ensure sustainability. Government is the institution that remains, which is why everything we do must be under government leadership and in partnership with local stakeholders,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Mr Peter Kodji of Action Against Hunger, said CRS had made significant contributions to maternal and child health, nutrition, agriculture, emergency response, peacebuilding and livelihoods.
Kodji, however, said food insecurity, displacement, climate change, unemployment and social tensions continued to threaten development gains, calling for deeper collaboration and greater investment in proven interventions.
Also, Uko Ekott, the Country Representative of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), described CRS as “a beacon of hope, resilience and compassion,” commending its commitment to community-led development and local ownership.
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Anselm Umoren, said CRS had remained focused on promoting human dignity irrespective of religious affiliation.
“CRS deals with human dignity, human values and life. They have lifted people out of poverty, equipped them with life skills and expanded access to health, education and other essential services.
“The impact is wide and not restricted to any particular group,” he said.
Figures presented during the showcase indicated that CRS had improved the lives of no fewer than 70 million Nigerians through its humanitarian and development programmes.
The organisation said 605,196 people had participated in Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC), mobilising more than 6.49 million dollars in community savings, while 55,941 people benefited from skills development and economic strengthening initiatives.
It added that 192,405 people gained access to safe drinking water, 1.46 million people received humanitarian assistance, more than 41.3 million dollars was disbursed through cash and voucher programming, while 286,138 people received food assistance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CRS partners with governments, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and communities to provide development and relief support to Nigerians.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Funmilayo Adeyemi
