FG, states launch grassroots development scheme to tackle poverty, unemployment

The federal government and state governors have launched a new scheme — the renewed hope ward development programme — to create jobs, improve food security, and reduce poverty.

The programme was unveiled on Thursday during a meeting of the national economic council (NEC) presided over by Vice-President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.

It was learnt that the programme aims to directly support a minimum of 1,000 economically active people in each ward across Nigeria, boosting economic activity at the grassroots level.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, said President Bola Tinubu, who attended the session, described the initiative as “a historic next step” in the government’s reform efforts.

“Having stabilised the macroeconomy, the next step is to drill development down to the lowest levels so that, in all 8,809 wards, we can stimulate economic activity that will generate employment, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and strengthen social protection,” Bagudu said.

He said the programme would be jointly funded by the federal, state, and local governments –leveraging increased federation account revenues and complementing other ongoing development projects.

The minister said the initiative is rooted in Chapter Two of the Nigerian constitution, which mandates all tiers of government to harness national resources and promote a dynamic, self-reliant economy.

He described the initiative as “a federation project” and disclosed that NEC approved his ministry to serve as the programme’s secretariat.

Referencing the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV report, he said Tinubu’s reforms — including petrol subsidy removal, foreign exchange (FX) markets unification, and improved revenue collection — have bolstered Nigeria’s economic resilience.

“Mr president believes that to reduce poverty and food insecurity, we must invest collaboratively in the creative energy of Nigerians in every ward. Having achieved macroeconomic stability, this programme is the natural next step,” he said.

‘NIGERIA EARNING MORE MONEY NOW’

Also speaking, Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state, said the council unanimously endorsed the programme, calling it a means to ensure reform benefits reach “the common man on the street.”

“The country is earning more money now, and so are subnational governments,” Uzodinma said.

“The president brought a programme that will fast-track the process of this additional money making a bigger impact by trickling down to the grassroots.

“This is how Nigerians will begin to feel the renewed hope agenda at their level.”

Uzodinma said the reforms of Tinubu’s administration are starting to produce results, stressing that the current priority is to ensure those benefits reach the grassroots level.

He added that the NEC also discussed environmental impact assessments for key infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal road and Sokoto-Badagry highway.

The governor said the council plans to set up a committee to harmonise federal and state efforts to accelerate these projects.