The federal government, in collaboration with state government, has launched the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at generating employment, enhancing food security, and alleviating poverty at the grassroots.
Gatekeepers News reports that the programme was introduced on Thursday during National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
It targets at least 1,000 economically active individuals in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, aiming to stimulate local economies and drive inclusive development.
According to Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the programme marks a critical phase in the government’s broader reform agenda.
He explained that following recent efforts to stabilise the macroeconomic environment, the focus has now shifted to grassroots transformation.
The programme will be co-funded by federal, state, and local governments, drawing from increased allocations from the federation account and aligning with existing development initiatives.
It is designed in line with Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires all levels of government to utilise national resources for self-reliant economic growth.
Bagudu noted that the initiative will be overseen by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which will serve as its secretariat.
Citing the recent IMF Article IV report, he highlighted the government’s reforms — including the removal of petrol subsidies, unification of foreign exchange markets, and revenue improvements — as key drivers of economic resilience.
He emphasised that this new programme is a strategic move to translate macroeconomic gains into visible local impact by investing in the productivity of citizens at ward level.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma also shared insights from the meeting, confirming that the NEC gave unanimous approval for the programme. He said the initiative is expected to bring the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda directly to ordinary Nigerians.
Uzodinma noted that both federal and subnational governments are currently seeing improved revenue, and the new initiative provides a practical way to channel these gains toward grassroots impact. He stressed that the goal is to ensure the reform benefits are felt widely and equitably.
Additionally, the council reviewed environmental assessments for major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal road and Sokoto-Badagry highway. Plans are underway to establish a committee to align federal and state efforts and speed up these critical projects.
