In a significant leadership transition, Dr. Deborah Bako Odoh has officially assumed her role as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in Abuja. The handover ceremony, which took place on Thursday, marks a new chapter for the ministry central to Nigeria's economic aspirations.
A Pledge for Professionalism and Transparency
In her inaugural address, Dr. Odoh made a firm commitment to instilling diligence, transparency, and professionalism in the ministry's core functions. She emphasized that her leadership will focus on the meticulous coordination of the national budgeting process and the effective implementation of the country's development plans.
Dr. Odoh articulated the critical nature of the ministry's mandate, stating that budgeting and economic planning are not merely administrative tasks. She described them as vital instruments for translating the government's intentions into tangible, measurable outcomes that directly improve the lives of Nigerian citizens and drive sustainable national development.
Ensuring Continuity and Collaboration
The new Permanent Secretary takes over from Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in May 2025 before his latest assignment at the Federal Civil Service Commission. Dr. Odoh took a moment to commend Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, the Director of International Cooperation, who had been overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary for the past six months. She acknowledged his dedication, which ensured operational continuity during the interim period.
She also expressed her appreciation for the entire staff of the ministry, highlighting their expertise and institutional memory as the backbone of its operations. Dr. Odoh pledged to work closely with the Minister, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the management team to strengthen institutional capacity and promote evidence-based planning.
Aligning with the EPIC Civil Service Agenda
Dr. Odoh paid tribute to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Watson-Jack, for her unwavering commitment to building a world-class civil service. She specifically vowed to ensure that the values of the EPIC agenda—aimed at creating an Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible, and Citizen-centred civil service—are deeply embedded in the work, systems, and results of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, in his welcome remarks, assured the new Permanent Secretary of the full and unwavering support of the ministry's management and staff, promising a collaborative effort to ensure a successful and impactful tenure.
Until this recent posting, Dr. Deborah Bako Odoh served as the Permanent Secretary for the Service Policies and Strategy Office (SPSO). She was originally appointed a Permanent Secretary by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 23, 2023.
