The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive economic growth through the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, a nationwide initiative designed to ensure that the benefits of ongoing economic reforms reach the grassroots level.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr. Haruna Nma Yahaya, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the programme, recently launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will engage over 10 million economically active Nigerians across the country’s 8,809 wards.
The Minister noted that the initiative is not just about palliatives but is aimed at unlocking entrepreneurship at the ward level—particularly in sectors like agriculture, fishing, mining, and food processing—by addressing constraints such as lack of capital and limited support infrastructure.
“Each of our 8,809 wards has unique economic potential. If we can unlock entrepreneurship at that level, the benefits of reform will be more evenly shared,” Bagudu stated.
He added that boosting grassroots economic activities is central to the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030, in line with the broader Renewed Hope Agenda. The Minister further highlighted that under the Nigeria Agenda 2050, the government is targeting a $33,000 per capita income by 2050, which would require over $100 billion in annual investments, with 86% expected to come from the private sector.
Calling for private sector collaboration, Senator Bagudu emphasized the importance of professional bodies such as ICAN in helping communicate the long-term benefits of the reforms to the public and building trust in the reform process.
“People want quick results, but some of the changes we’re making today are foundational for the prosperity we seek tomorrow. That’s why we need ICAN’s support—not just for technical guidance but also to help explain these reforms to Nigerians,” he said.
In response, ICAN President Dr. Yahaya commended the Minister for his leadership, especially in enhancing budget implementation and infrastructure development. He proposed a partnership with the Ministry for capacity building, technical assistance, and anti-corruption training for Accounting Officers. He also invited the Minister to deliver the keynote address at ICAN’s 55th Annual Accountants’ Conference, scheduled for October 6–10, 2025, and requested sponsorship for ministry accountants to attend.
Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, acknowledged ICAN’s regulatory role and requested the Institute’s technical support in improving accounting procedures within the Ministry.
The Ministry remains committed to working with key stakeholders to drive inclusive development and sustainable economic transformation across all levels of society.
