Tinubu Calls on Governors to Prioritise Rural Development, Poverty Eradication, Agricultural Growth
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian state governors to intensify investments in rural electrification, agricultural mechanisation, poverty eradication, and infrastructure to drive inclusive economic growth across the country.
Speaking on Thursday at the 150th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja, Tinubu urged collaboration among all tiers of government to transform the lives of people in rural communities.
His appeal came after a presentation by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, on the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) — a new federal initiative targeting economic expansion from the grassroots level.
“I want to appeal to you; let us change the story of our people in the rural areas,” the President said, according to a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
“The economy is working. We are on the path of recovery, but we need to stimulate growth in the rural areas. We know the situation in the rural areas; let us collaborate and do what will benefit the people,” he added.
President Tinubu highlighted the importance of mechanised agriculture, tackling insecurity, and increasing school enrolment through initiatives like school feeding programmes.
To further demonstrate his administration’s commitment, Tinubu directed the NEC to establish a committee to ensure swift implementation of key infrastructure projects — including the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry Super Highways. He also ordered that the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation be moved to the presidency to fast-track legacy projects.
Meanwhile, the NEC formally endorsed the RHWDP, which is designed to drive double-digit economic growth by channeling development directly to Nigeria’s 8,809 administrative wards across the 36 states.
According to Bagudu, the programme aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the target of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030, which would require an annual growth rate of 15 per cent — far above the current sub-4 per cent level.
Anchored on provisions in the 1999 Constitution and the Fifth Alteration Act, RHWDP aims to enhance food security, improve local production systems, and create sustainable economic opportunities at the grassroots. It sets a minimum support target of 1,000 economically active individuals in smaller wards and 2,000 in larger ones.
Implementation will be overseen by a National Steering Committee with representatives from all six geopolitical zones, while the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will serve as the programme secretariat.
The President’s call reinforces his administration’s focus on bottom-up development and inclusive economic reforms designed to reduce inequality, tackle unemployment, and lift millions out of poverty.
