Tinubu Approves ₦17bn for Grassroots Development in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has approved a funding allocation of ₦17 billion for grassroots development initiatives across Nigeria, specifically targeting 8,804 wards. This initiative was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information.

The funding will support community-led projects that are tailored to local needs, with verified community-based organizations implementing priority interventions. The program, coordinated by Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, marks a shift towards a decentralized development approach, allowing wards to identify and implement their priority needs.

Key interventions will include community nutrition support, provision of essential health commodities, micronutrient therapeutic food, and minor infrastructure improvements for schools and health facilities. The program is set to run from March to December 2026, with a management unit overseeing execution to ensure effective implementation.

The ₦17 billion will be released from a special intervention account to support the initiative.