The Federal Government has said about 10 million Nigerians will benefit from the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), a key poverty-reduction initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
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Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed this during a visit by members of the National Councillors’ Forum of Nigeria (NCFN), where he was also appointed as the forum’s grand patron.
In a statement, the NCFN, which comprises 8,809 serving councillors across the country, said the appointment was in recognition of Bagudu’s contributions to national development. The letter, dated 23 April 2026 and signed by its president, Abdulrazak Sama’ila, noted that his “dedication to public service and to the development of our country” made him deserving of the role.
Presenting the letter, Sama’ila said the minister would play a key role in advancing good governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level. He added that the forum looks forward to leveraging Bagudu’s expertise to strengthen local governance structures nationwide.
Responding, Bagudu said he was honoured by the recognition and described the appointment as a motivation to intensify efforts aimed at boosting economic activities at the grassroots. He reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving living standards through reforms anchored on local governance.
He explained that the RHWDP is designed to stimulate economic growth at the ward level by identifying and supporting dominant commercial activities across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards. According to him, the mapping process will enable targeted interventions that directly impact local economies.
“With about 10 million citizens expected to benefit, the programme will significantly advance the administration’s poverty-reduction objectives,” Bagudu said.
He also commended the forum for its continued support for the president, noting that its endorsement of Tinubu’s second term ambition reflects growing confidence in ongoing economic reforms.
