- Tinubu Launches Grassroots Economic Drive to Empower 8.8 Million Nigerians
- The initiative is tagged ‘Renewed Hope Ward Based Development Programme’
- Uzodinma emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between federal and state governments
In a bid to stimulate economic growth and create jobs at the grassroots level, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a new programme aimed at supporting 8.8 million economically active Nigerians across the country’s 8,809 wards.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the announcement was made on Thursday during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, presided over by the President.
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Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, explained that the initiative is intended to ensure that recent macroeconomic gains directly benefit everyday Nigerians.
“Now that we have achieved macroeconomic stability, the next step is to push development to the grassroots. We want to drive economic activity in all 8,809 wards, with the goal of generating employment, reducing poverty, improving food security, and enhancing social protection,” Bagudu stated.
He said the programme, called the Renewed Hope Ward Based Development Programme, is rooted in the constitutional responsibility of all levels of government to utilize national resources for inclusive growth and self-reliance.
The programme is a joint effort by federal, state, and local governments, funded through increased revenues in the Federation Account and supported by various development initiatives. It aims to reach at least 1,000 economically active individuals in each ward across Nigeria.
According to Bagudu, the broader goal is to accelerate inclusive growth and move closer to achieving a one trillion dollar economy.
The National Economic Council, following the presentation, unanimously endorsed and approved the programme.
It also appointed the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning as the coordinating secretariat for its implementation.
Speaking further on the initiative, Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, noted that state governments are already experiencing an increase in allocations from the Federation Account, thanks to fiscal reforms championed by the Tinubu administration.
“We commend the President for boosting national revenue and enhancing financial capacity at the subnational level. This programme ensures that the additional funds will bring meaningful development directly to communities,” Uzodinma said.
He also disclosed that President Tinubu addressed lingering issues around environmental impact assessments for major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto Badagry Road.
The President, he added, emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between federal and state governments to expedite the execution of these legacy projects.
To that end, a joint committee will be established, comprising representatives from the Office of the Surveyor General and state governments, to coordinate and align implementation strategies in the national interest.
“Mr President’s briefing today was a morale booster for us. It challenged us as governors to act swiftly and responsibly. It was a clear message to do what is necessary,” Uzodinma concluded.
