President Tinubu approves ₦17bn for grassroots development nationwide

President Bola Tinubu has approved a ₦17 billion community-based national social action fund to drive development across 8,804 wards.

The initiative was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.

The ministry said the fund will support community-led projects tailored to local needs, adding that each ward will work with a verified community-based organisation to implement priority interventions.

“The initiative will deploy community-driven interventions tailored to local needs, with each ward engaging a verified community-based entity, organisation, or association to implement priority projects,” the statement said.

Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the programme marks a shift towards decentralised development.

“This approach places communities at the centre of development. By enabling each ward to identify and implement its priority needs, we are unlocking practical solutions that directly improve livelihoods and strengthen service delivery where it matters most.

“Interventions may include community nutrition support, provision of essential health commodities such as micronutrients and therapeutic foods, as well as minor infrastructure improvements in schools, health facilities, and sanitation systems,” he said.

The ministry said implementation will run from March to December 2026, noting that a programme management unit will oversee execution.

“To ensure effective implementation, the President has approved a project timeline commencing March 1, 2026, with delivery expected by December 2026,” the statement said.

“The sum of ₦17 billion will be released into a ring-fenced special intervention account to support implementation, monitoring, communication, and accountability,” it added.

It said the task force overseeing the initiative will include officials from finance, humanitarian services and anti-corruption agencies.

The ministry said the fund builds on earlier reforms, including the social action fund and community-based procurement platform.