The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has urged the World Bank to support Nigeria’s newly launched Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, a grassroots-focused initiative designed to stimulate economic activities nationwide.
Bagudu made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the World Bank’s new Country Director, Mr. Matthew Verghis. He explained that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“The objectives, among others, are to promote sustainable and inclusive growth at the ward level, which will contribute to national development,” Bagudu said. “This will support the $1 trillion GDP target by 2030 and help lift all Nigerians out of poverty.”
The minister noted that the programme, recently approved by the National Economic Council and coordinated by his ministry, is designed as a transformative bottom-up growth model.
According to him, “This programme will map economic opportunities in all 8,809 wards across the country and support economically active citizens to generate more value. It is about creating sustainable and inclusive growth from the grassroots.”
Bagudu expressed optimism that with World Bank backing, the initiative would accelerate poverty reduction, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience.
