FG highlights LGs’ role in economic inclusion drive

The Federal Government has called on local government chairmen across the country to take a more active role in driving inclusive development and strengthening social protection systems at the grassroots level, as part of efforts to deepen economic inclusion and improve welfare delivery.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning following a stakeholder engagement session organised by the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office in Abuja.

The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration among federal, state, and local governments in the implementation of social protection programmes and improving coordination in development delivery at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, emphasised the need for local government authorities to take full responsibility for development outcomes within their areas of jurisdiction.

“Local government chairmen, as the chief executives of their councils, must take ownership of development outcomes within their jurisdictions,” Bagudu said.

He noted that effective governance at the grassroots level is central to achieving inclusive growth and reducing poverty, adding that local government leadership must be proactive in implementing development programmes that directly impact citizens.

The minister explained that the Constitution places both moral and legal obligations on public office holders to prioritise the welfare and inclusion of citizens in governance processes.

“At the heart of governance in Nigeria is the achievement of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy as set out in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.

Bagudu further observed that despite the efforts of many Nigerians engaged in productive economic activities, challenges such as economic hardship, insecurity, and market inefficiencies continue to limit returns on their labour.

“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,” he added.

According to him, achieving effective social protection requires a coordinated approach involving all tiers of government, development partners, civil society organisations, and community-based stakeholders.

He stressed that collaboration is essential to ensure that development programmes are not implemented in isolation but are properly aligned for greater impact.

Bagudu also referenced Section 13 of the Constitution, which requires all authorities exercising governmental powers to work together in achieving national development objectives.

He noted that the 2017 National Social Protection Policy provided the framework for several intervention programmes, including the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office, the N-Power scheme, and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the administration remains committed to strengthening grassroots development structures.

He disclosed that the National Economic Council had approved the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which is designed to map out economic opportunities, development challenges, and social realities at the ward level across the country.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at improving coordination and governance efficiency by enabling local governments to better identify service gaps and development priorities within their communities.

“The programme aims to ensure that all interventions within a ward communicate and coordinate effectively,” he said.

Bagudu further noted that one of the key challenges in development administration is the duplication of programmes across different levels of government without proper coordination, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in service delivery.

He stressed the need for improved alignment among government agencies, development partners, humanitarian organisations, and local stakeholders to ensure better outcomes.

The minister also urged local government leaders to focus on identifying and unlocking economic opportunities within their jurisdictions rather than relying solely on increased federal allocations.

He maintained that many local government areas possess significant untapped economic potential that could be harnessed through proper planning, coordination, and collaboration with other tiers of government.

Bagudu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and ensuring that ongoing economic reforms translate into tangible benefits for citizens at the grassroots level.