Minister Bagudu tasks LGs on inclusive development, social protection

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has urged local governments across the country to lead inclusive development by strengthening social protection at the grassroots.

Bagudu made the call while speaking at a stakeholder engagement with local government chairmen organised by the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Local Government Leadership for Inclusive Development and Social Protection Delivery”, the minister stressed the need for stronger collaboration among all tiers of government to improve social protection and inclusive governance.

He noted that many hardworking Nigerians, including farmers, fishermen, herders, traders and small business owners, still face economic hardship despite their efforts, making social protection necessary.

“We must recognise that many hardworking Nigerians — farmers, fishermen, herders, traders, and small business owners — often do not receive returns commensurate with their effort. This makes social protection and inclusive governance necessary,” Bagudu said.

The minister also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to grassroots-driven reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, revealing that the National Economic Council had approved the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.

According to him, the initiative is designed to map economic opportunities, social realities and development challenges across wards nationwide in order to strengthen governance and coordination at the grassroots level.

Bagudu urged local government chairmen to take ownership of development programmes within their jurisdictions, stating that local councils possess untapped economic potential capable of driving prosperity, inclusion and sustainable development if properly harnessed.