The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, has called on local government councils to take the lead in promoting inclusive development by strengthening social protection systems at the grassroots.
Bagudu made the call while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at a Stakeholder Engagement with Local Government Chairmen organised by the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in Abuja.
He urged stronger collaboration among all tiers of government to deepen inclusive governance and improve social protection delivery at the local level, noting that such cooperation is essential for national development.
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Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Local Government Leadership for Inclusive Development and Social Protection Delivery,” the Minister stressed that the Nigerian Constitution places both moral and constitutional responsibilities on public officials to safeguard citizens’ welfare.
“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 noted that while inclusion remains a national goal, many citizens continue to face economic hardship, insecurity, and market inefficiencies despite their efforts to earn a living.
“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.” The Minister emphasised.
He stressed the need for a coordinated “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach involving federal, state, and local governments, as well as development partners, civil society organisations, and community stakeholders.
The Minister highlighted Section 13 of the Constitution, which requires all authorities exercising governmental powers to work together to achieve national development objectives.
According to him, local government chairmen, state governors, and the President are constitutionally bound to collaborate in delivering inclusive growth and improved living conditions for citizens.
Bagudu also referenced the 2017 National Social Protection Policy, which led to the establishment of key programmes and structures such as NASSCO, N-Power, and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.
He further underscored President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a framework for grassroots-driven reform.
The Minister disclosed that the National Economic Council had approved the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, designed to map economic opportunities, social conditions, and development gaps across all wards in the country.
Bagudu observed that several development interventions currently operate in isolation across states and local governments, resulting in duplication, inefficiency, and service gaps.
He explained that stronger coordination among government agencies, development partners, humanitarian organisations, and community stakeholders would improve service delivery and social protection outcomes.
The Minister urged local government chairmen to take full ownership of development efforts in their areas, describing them as the tier of government closest to the people.
“Local government chairmen, as the chief executives of their councils, must take ownership of development outcomes within their jurisdictions,” Bagudu advised.
He said that local leadership should focus not only on seeking increased allocations but also on identifying and maximising existing economic opportunities within communities.
Bagudu maintained that many local governments possess significant untapped economic potential which, if properly harnessed, could drive grassroots prosperity and inclusive growth.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and ensuring that ongoing economic reforms translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
