By Solomon Makinde
The Federal Government, in collaboration with state governors, has launched the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at creating 1,000 jobs per ward across Nigeria’s 8,809 political wards, as part of efforts to deepen economic reforms and deliver grassroots development.
The ambitious programme, unveiled during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, is set to boost food security, stimulate rural economies, and reduce poverty by targeting economically active Nigerians at the community level.
Vice President Kashim Shettima presided over the NEC session, which was also attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who commended the governors for aligning with the programme’s objectives.
Speaking to State House correspondents, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, described the initiative as a “historic next step” in Nigeria’s reform journey, building on macroeconomic stability achieved through policies like fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalization.
“Having stabilised the macro-economy, the next priority is to decentralise growth by triggering economic activity at the ward level,” Bagudu stated. “This initiative will directly support over 8.8 million Nigerians, reduce poverty, improve food availability, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.”
Bagudu said the programme will be jointly funded by federal, state, and local governments, using increased revenues from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and coordinated alongside existing development schemes.
The Renewed Hope initiative is rooted in Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates all levels of government to harness national resources and promote a self-reliant economy. NEC has resolved that Bagudu’s ministry will serve as the national secretariat for programme coordination.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State revealed that NEC unanimously backed the plan, calling it a practical way to deliver President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to “the common man on the street.”
“With increased national revenue, this programme ensures that every ward feels the benefits of ongoing reforms,” Uzodinma said. “It’s not just about policies at the top — now, we are seeing real investment in people at the grassroots.”
The governor also disclosed that NEC discussed progress on infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Road, noting that a federal-state committee will be set up to fast-track environmental clearances and implementation.
The Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme is positioned as a key vehicle to transform Nigeria’s macroeconomic gains into inclusive, people-focused outcomes, while accelerating the nation’s journey towards becoming a $1 trillion economy.
Bagudu referenced a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report that praised Nigeria’s economic policy shifts for restoring fiscal balance and encouraging investment. “The next chapter is about inclusion,” he said, “and this programme ensures that no Nigerian community is left behind.”
With a focus on job creation, poverty alleviation, food system resilience, and social protection, the initiative is expected to catalyse local industries and promote small-scale enterprise development nationwide.