President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged state governors to intensify investments in poverty eradication, agricultural mechanisation, rural electrification and infrastructure, stressing the importance of improving the lives of Nigerians at the grassroots.
Speaking during the 150th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja, the President emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to stimulate rural development and drive inclusive economic growth.
“I want to appeal to you. Let us change the story of our people in the rural areas. The economy is on the path of recovery, but we must do more for our rural areas. Let us collaborate and make a real difference for our people,” President Tinubu stated.
New Ward Based Development Programme Endorsed
During the meeting, the NEC unanimously endorsed the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), a grassroots strategy targeting Nigeria’s 8809 administrative wards across all 36 states.
The RHWDP, presented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, is aligned with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to fast track social protection and grassroots economic growth.
The programme is designed to
• Drive double digit economic growth
• Empower at least 1000 economically active individuals in smaller wards and 2000 in larger ones
• Serve as a collaborative initiative between federal, state and local governments
A National Steering Committee with representatives from all six geopolitical zones will guide the implementation, while the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will serve as its secretariat.
Legacy Projects and Surveyor General’s Office
President Tinubu also directed NEC to set up a special committee to ensure the successful implementation of key infrastructure projects such as
• Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway
• Sokoto Badagry Super Highway
To support these legacy projects, he ordered the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation to the Presidency for better coordination and seamless execution.
Flood Preparedness and Emergency Funding
Following a briefing by the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the Council
• Directed the strengthening of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) in all 36 states
• Requested the Federal Ministry of Finance to release emergency funds to address expected flood related challenges