Strengthen Local Governance for Inclusion, Bagudu Tells Chairmen

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has urged local government chairmen to strengthen governance for inclusive development and social protection at the grassroots level.

Speaking as special guest of honour at the Stakeholder Engagement with local government chairmen, hosted by the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in Abuja, Bagudu called for stronger collaboration across all tiers of government.

He spoke on the theme, “Strengthening Local Government Leadership for Inclusive Development and Social Protection Delivery,” emphasising that Nigeria’s Constitution imposes moral and constitutional duties on public officials to ensure citizens’ welfare and inclusion.

“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,” the minister stated.

Bagudu noted that despite national aspirations for inclusion, many hardworking Nigerians—farmers, fishermen, herders, traders, and small business owners—face economic hardship, insecurity, and market failures.

“We must recognise that many hardworking Nigerians often do not receive returns commensurate with their effort. This makes social protection and inclusive governance necessary,” he said.

The minister stressed a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach, involving federal, state, and local governments, development partners, civil society, and communities.

He highlighted Section 13 of the Constitution, mandating all authorities to collaborate on national development, with local chairmen, governors, and the president obliged to ensure inclusive growth.

Bagudu referenced the 2017 National Social Protection Policy, which established NASSCO, N-Power, and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

He underscored President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting the National Economic Council’s approval of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme to map opportunities, challenges, and gaps at the ward level.

“The programme aims to ensure that all interventions within a ward communicate and coordinate effectively,” Bagudu stated.
He pointed to current inefficiencies from uncoordinated programmes and urged chairmen to own development in their areas, maximising local economic potential through collaboration.

“Local government chairmen, as the chief executives of their councils, must take ownership of development outcomes within their jurisdictions,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to robust social protection and reforms benefiting ordinary Nigerians.