President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to do more to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially those living in rural areas. He asked them to focus on key areas like rural electrification, modern farming, poverty reduction, and infrastructure.
The President made this call on Thursday during a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the State House in Abuja. His comments came after a presentation on the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu.
“I’m appealing to all of you—let’s change the story for people living in rural areas,” Tinubu said. “The economy is recovering, but we must push for growth where it matters most—in our villages and communities. We all know the challenges out there. Let’s work together to do what truly benefits our people.”
President Tinubu asked governors to partner with the Federal Government to bring development closer to the grassroots. He highlighted the need to introduce more machines in farming, address insecurity, and get more children back to school by strengthening school-feeding programmes.
To support his administration’s major infrastructure goals—like the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry Super Highways—Tinubu also directed NEC to form a committee that will help ensure these legacy projects are completed. He added that the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation would now report directly to the Presidency, to speed up work on key national projects.
During the NEC meeting, the council gave full support to the new Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP). This plan aims to speed up economic growth through direct development in all 8,809 political wards across the country’s 36 states.
According to Bagudu, the RHWDP is part of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to grow Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion by 2030. But to reach that goal, the economy needs to grow by 15% annually—far above the current rate of less than 4%.
The programme is backed by the Constitution and seeks to make food more secure and farming more productive. It plans to support local economic activity by ensuring at least 1,000 active workers in smaller wards and 2,000 in larger ones.
A National Steering Committee, including members from all six regions of Nigeria, will guide the rollout. The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will act as the central office coordinating efforts.
In summary, Tinubu wants less talk and more action—especially where it matters most: in the homes, farms, and schools of ordinary Nigerians.
