Bagudu Urges Local Governments to Enhance Development

Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, called on local government chairmen across Nigeria to spearhead grassroots development initiatives aimed at strengthening social protection systems. Speaking at an event hosted by the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office in Abuja, Bagudu emphasized the need for local government ownership of development programs to improve living conditions and reduce poverty.

He noted that despite the hard work of Nigerian farmers, fishermen, herders, traders, and small business owners, many do not receive adequate returns for their efforts. Bagudu stressed the importance of a coordinated approach among federal, state, and local governments, as well as civil society organizations, to achieve national development objectives.

He referenced the 2017 National Social Protection Policy, which established intervention structures and highlighted President Bola Tinubu's commitment to grassroots development through the Renewed Hope Agenda. Bagudu also mentioned that local governments received N1.46 trillion allocated for the first quarter of 2026, despite a Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the third tier of government.