Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, urged the World Bank to support the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme. The call came during a meeting in Abuja with the bank’s new Country Director, Mr Matthew.
The programme aims to stimulate economic activities at the grassroots level. It focuses on improving local infrastructure and creating job opportunities. Bagudu emphasized the need for international financial support to scale the initiative.
The Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme was launched in 2023 as part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic strategy. It targets 10,000 wards across Nigeria, with a focus on rural and underserved areas. The initiative includes funding for small businesses and community projects.
The World Bank has previously supported similar programs in Nigeria. However, the current funding gap remains significant. Bagudu highlighted the importance of external aid in achieving the programme’s goals.
The meeting in Abuja marks a key step in securing international backing for the programme. The World Bank’s involvement could provide critical resources for local development. The outcome of the discussions will determine the next phase of the initiative.
