Follow Us on Google
From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has disclosed that about 10 million Nigerians are expected to benefit from the federal government’s ongoing poverty-reduction initiatives, as grassroots governance stakeholders deepen their engagement with the federal government’s development agenda.
Bagudu made the revelation during a weekend engagement with members of the National Councillors’ Forum of Nigeria (NCFN), which also conferred on him the title of Grand Patron in recognition of his contributions to national development and economic planning.
The forum, which represents all 8,809 serving councillors across Nigeria’s local government areas, said the honour was a reflection of Bagudu’s commitment to strengthening governance structures from the grassroots.
In a letter dated April 23, 2026, and signed by its president, Honourable Abdulrazak Sama’ila, the NCFN praised the minister’s record in public service, describing him as a key driver of inclusive development.
“Your dedication to public service and to the development of our country make you a perfect fit for this prestigious position,” the forum stated.
Presenting the appointment letter during the visit, Sama’ila said the forum looked forward to closer collaboration with the minister in advancing transparency, accountability, and improved governance at the ward level.
He added that councillors across the country were eager to benefit from Bagudu’s policy experience and strategic insights, particularly in areas affecting local economic development.
Other News
Responding, Bagudu expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as both humbling and motivating. He said the recognition would further energise his commitment to deepening reforms aimed at improving livelihoods across Nigeria.
According to him, President Tinubu’s administration is focused on structural interventions that place local communities at the centre of economic planning through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.
He explained that the initiative is designed to identify and support economic activities in all 8,809 wards nationwide by mapping dominant local enterprises and tailoring government interventions to their specific needs.
“This programme seeks to stimulate economic activity at the ward level by identifying dominant commercial endeavours and providing targeted support where it is most needed,” Bagudu said.
He further noted that the initiative is expected to directly and indirectly impact about 10 million Nigerians, strengthening the federal government’s broader poverty-reduction drive and expanding access to economic opportunities at the grassroots.
Bagudu also commended the councillors for their support of the Tinubu administration, particularly their endorsement of the president’s reform agenda and growing appreciation of ongoing economic restructuring efforts.
He said the administration remained committed to improving living standards through sustained investments in local governance reforms, economic empowerment, and targeted social intervention programmes designed to reach communities at the lowest administrative level.
The minister emphasised that collaboration with grassroots leaders would remain central to achieving inclusive growth and ensuring that national policies translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
