President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on governors across Nigeria to step up investment in poverty eradication, rural electrification, agricultural mechanization, and infrastructure to secure the country’s future and improve the lives of citizens, especially those in underserved communities.
Speaking on Thursday during the 150th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the urgent need for targeted grassroots development. His remarks followed a presentation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu. The President’s address was relayed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.
The newly endorsed RHWDP is a ward-based development initiative designed to transform all of Nigeria’s 8,809 administrative wards through direct economic interventions. Anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda, the programme is expected to propel Nigeria toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030, aiming for a double-digit annual growth rate of 15 percent, far above the current sub-4 percent rate.
President Tinubu, in his appeal to state governors, said the country cannot afford to neglect its rural population. “I want to appeal to you; let us change the story of our people in the rural areas. The economy is working. We are on the path of recovery, but we need to stimulate growth where it matters most,” he said. “We must collaborate. We must do what benefits the people directly. That means investing more in agriculture, power, school feeding, and security.”
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In a move to fast-track national infrastructure, Tinubu directed the National Economic Council to establish a committee dedicated to the realization of major legacy projects, particularly the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry Super Highways. He also approved the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation to the Presidency to streamline project execution.
The RHWDP is legally grounded in the 1999 Constitution and the Fifth Alteration Act, which mandates governments at all levels to promote food security and adopt improved production methods. The initiative targets a minimum of 1,000 economically active individuals per small ward and 2,000 in larger ones. A National Steering Committee representing all six geopolitical zones will oversee implementation, with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning serving as secretariat.
In response to anticipated flooding, the NEC also directed the strengthening of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) in all 36 states and instructed the Federal Ministry of Finance to release emergency funds. This decision followed a presentation by Zubaida Umar, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who highlighted the urgent need for preparedness and proactive relief planning.