Tinubu Urges Governors to Prioritise Welfare of Nigerians

By: Uju Nwachukwu

President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by investing in rural development, poverty eradication, agriculture and infrastructure projects.

Speaking at the 150th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) in Abuja, the president said the federal and state governments must work together to stimulate growth in rural areas.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications Stanley Nkwocha, the President says “The economy is working. We are on the path of recovery, but we need to stimulate growth in the rural areas,” he said. “Let us change the story of our people in the rural areas and do what will benefit them.”

The NEC meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, endorsed the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) – a strategy designed to accelerate social protection and achieve double-digit economic growth through direct interventions in Nigeria’s 8,809 administrative wards.

The initiative, presented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, is anchored on Tinubu’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030. It targets agricultural mechanisation, rural electrification and improved infrastructure while supporting up to 2,000 economically active individuals in larger wards.

To fast-track implementation, President Tinubu ordered the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General to the presidency and directed the formation of a National Steering Committee comprising representatives from all six geopolitical zones.

In addition, NEC directed the strengthening of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and approved special funding for flood preparedness in anticipation of severe weather.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported progress in disaster risk reduction and urged states to improve drainage systems, enforce planning laws and operationalise local emergency committees to mitigate flood risks.

The Federal Ministry of Finance has been instructed to release emergency funds to states, the Federal Capital Territory and relevant agencies for 2025 flood preparedness.